Conversion of a 1,500-FT Water-Depth Conventionally Moored Drillship Into An Ultradeep Water Dynamically Positioned Drillship

摘要

In the late period of1995 the demand for deep water capable drilling rigs out paced the availability for these units. This trend has continued throughout 1996 without signs of a weakening market in 1997. To meet this demand, fast track and economical solutions were required. This paper examines one solution, the OCEAN CLIPPER project, which began in early 1996 and completed in mid 1997. The OCEAN CLIPPER was a conventionally moored drill ship with 1,500 ft operating parameters, which during this period, was modified to be able to operate in ultra deep water depths to 7,500 ft and beyond utilizing the most sophisticated available technology. Stationkeeping has been modified to incorporate full dynamic positioning, and state of the art drilling equipment installed. The OCEAN CLIPPER solution represented the fast track economical resolution to this immediate need for the industry. The OCEAN CLIPPER project out paced new-build solutions for delivery at less than 50 percent capital expenditure. This paper will examine the design and construction factors of this project. An overall schedule, total project cost as well as technical aspects will be discussed.