An order for a self-propelled jack-up drilling vessel, valued at over $4.8-million, has been placed with Upper Clyde Shipbuilders by Rimrock (U.K.), Ltd., London, who are associated with the Husky Oil Group.
This is only the second of this jack-up type of drilling vessel to be ordered in the world. The first is at present under construction at the Clydebank Division of U.C.S. who have already built four highly successful jack-up type drilling rigs.
Self-propulsion gives these new drilling vessels the combined advantages of the jack-up drilling platform and the mobility of a ship. They will be able to maneuver in the drilling area and also undertake long international voyages without tugs.
The drilling vessel now ordered will be a repeat of that placed by International Drilling Company (Contracts), Ltd., of London in May last year. It will have an overall length of 276 feet, and depth of 22 feet. The main propulsion will be diesel-electric with twin-screws, each driven by two 2,000-hp motors to give a speed of about 7 knots. When on drilling location, the vessel will be jacked up on four triangular lattice tower legs 355 feet long, which will allow operation in water up to about 250 feet deep.
The drilling derrick will be mounted on a movable substructure and will be moved over the aft end for drilling operations by means of a hydraulic ram system. Air-conditioned accommodations will be provided for a total crew of 75, and there will be a helicopter platform over the accommodations.
Artist's conception of self-propelled jack-up type offshore drilling vessel ordered by Husky Oil Group.