Offshore staff
MONACO -- SBM Offshore has updated progress on three new dynamically positioned semisubmersible drilling rigs, all under construction in Abu Dhabi.
All are TDS2000 Plus or TDS2500 designs, ordered in late 2006 and early 2007. They are capable of operating in water depths from 2,000-2,400 m (6,562-7,874 ft), and drilling to 7,500 m (24,606 ft) sub-surface. SBM Atlantia in Houston is managing each of the programs under an engineering, procurement, and construction contract.
Construction of the Lone Star TDS2000Plus rig for Queiroz Galvao Perfuracoes (QGP) has been completed, with commissioning starting late last year. The rig should shortly undergo sea trials and handover to QGP offshore Abu Dhabi.
The Norbe VI TDS2000Plus rig is still under construction, with a commissioning start imminent. Sea trials and handover to client Odebrecht should follow this summer.
Delba III is a TDS2500 design ordered by Delba Drilling International Cooperative. SBM says the rig was floated out of dry dock towards the end of last year, and equipment installation is well advanced. The sea trials and handover to Delba should take place off Abu Dhabi late this year.
3/19/2010
