Low drilling costs, high performance

摘要

WITH THE FIRST of two Noble Bully Drillships due for delivery later this year,this challenge has quickly moved from the drawing board to reality. 25 per cent shorter and 60 per cent lighter than comparable capacity drillships, the 'Bully' offers a solution to rising rig costs. But that's not all. Leon van den Broek, Drilling Rig Global Category Manager at Shell explains some of its extraordinary features. "In 2006, a design team consisting of leaders in their respective fields - in co-operation with Shell's deepwater experts - started with the design work." "Starting life as a lengthy flipchart wish list, it soon evolved into a feasible design - a good eight to ten metres narrower and 50-80 m shorter than even the newest sixth-generation drillships. The drillship packs a punch with as much thrust capability and engine power as larger drillships. At the same time, its compact design means it can also operate In water depths as little as 16 m, subjects to suitable ocean conditions."