CIMC Raffles lays keel for Frigstad semi

China’s CIMC Raffles yard today held the keel laying ceremony for a 7th generation semi-submersible drilling rig.

The 7th generation drilling unit ordered by Frigstad Deepwater is of the Frigstad D90™ design, developed by Frigstad Engineering and tailor made for safe and efficient exploration and development drilling in ultra-deep waters.

The rig will be capable of operating in water depths up to 12,000 feet and drilling to a total depth of 60,000 feet. The unit will be outfitted with a DP3 dynamic positioning system, full dual activity hydraulic drilling package with 2 x 1,400 sT hoisting capacity and 2 x seven ram BOPs.

The rig is valued at approximately $650 million.