China’s CNPC hires Frigstad Shekou offshore drilling rig

China’s oil giant CNPC has hired Frigstad Offshore’s semi-submersible drilling rig Frigstad Shekou.

This is Frigstad’s first of two drilling rigs under construction at China’s Yantai CIMC Raffles yard.

With the length of 117m, width of 92.7m and height of 118m, Frigstad Shekou is equipped with DP3 dynamic positioning system and classed by DNV. The rig’s deepest drilling depth is up to 15,240 meters and operation depth up to 3.658 meters.

The rig is set to begin sea trials in September. The delivery is expected at the end of 2016 when it will start operation for China National Petroleum Corporation Offshore Engineering Company (CPOE), a subsidiary of CNPC.

Frigstad’s second semi-sub, the Frigstad Kristiansand, remains under construction at the Chinese shipyard.

To remind, Frigstad ordered two 7th generation drilling units of the Frigstad D90 design from CIMC Raffles in January 2013, with options for another four units.

According to the original deal, the first two drilling rigs were initially scheduled for delivery at the end of 4Q 2015 and 2Q 2016, respectively, and the total project cost was approximately $1.3 billion.

The delivery dates were later postponed with Frigstad Shekou now moved for the end of 2016, and Frigstad Kristiansand pushed to 2017.

Offshore Energy Today Staff