L.M. Wilson, general manager-drilling operations for Gulf Oil Exploration & Production Company, strikes a symbolic arc as Service Machine Group (SMG) of Morgan City, La., lays the keel for a 200-foot by 50-foot by 12-foot inland drilling barge. Looking on is Leon Vice Jr., Gulf's area drilling superintendent.

The vessel was designed by Petro-Marine Engineering, Inc. of Houston, and is the first rig built for Gulf Oil by SMG. The barge will be completely outfitted with drill floor, pipe rack, helideck, 36-man quarters, drawworks, drilling mast, mud pumps, motor control center, and other facilities. Delivery is scheduled for the end of this year.