CIMC Raffles Completes Deck Mating Procedure

COSLPROSPECTOR, the fourth deep water semi-submersible drilling rig constructed by Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore Limited (CIMC Raffles) on behalf of COSL Drilling Europe AS, accomplished the mating milestone today.

Semi-submersible drilling rigs are generally fabricated in a shipyard drydock by stacking unit blocks sequentially from the lower to upper level. The problem with this method is that the extended use of a drydock can cause schedule and cost problems. To overcome the disadvantages of a sequential block stacking method, and meet tight delivery schedules, CIMC Raffles decided to use the so called “onshore deck mating method” and applied it to the fabrication of the COSLPROSPECTOR.

COSLPROSPECTOR is a DP3 vessel with an operating depth of 1,500 metres, drilling depth of 7,600 metres and is designed to operate in temperatures of -20°C. Classed by DNV and with basic design provided by the Grenland Group, the COSLPROSPECTOR meets the requirements of the PSA and NORSOK.

Delivery of COSLPROSPECTOR is scheduled for the third quarter of 2014.

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Press Release, September 27, 2013