Gallery: GustoMSC reveals new jack-up rig design – the NG 3500X

Images by GustoMSC

GustoMSC, a Dutch designer of offshore drilling rigs has revealed a new jack-up rig design, the NG 3500X. According to the company, the rig is based on the “proven and seasoned” NG-2500X and NG-1800X designs, and comes in 2 distinct versions for accommodation & services and well intervention.

The NG-3500X can operate in a water depth of up to 80 m (262 ft) and bridges the gap between the successful service units and the full-fledged drilling rigs for the Middle Eastern and (South East) Asian markets.

The NG-3500X is a solution for maintaining and making interventions in the large number of mature fields and infrastructure in the Middle East and South East Asia, GustoMSC says.

The conditions of these fields are characterized by deeper water and larger expected penetrations. Until now this was the domain of classic drilling jack-ups and work barges with associated rates and operational restrictions.

GustoMSC promises that the unit can remain offshore when adverse weather conditions occur, resulting in more workable days, optimum efficiency and a minimum of non-productive hours during operational charters.

In order to carry out the various types of work, the NG-3500X, GustoMSC further explains, the rig comes in two distinct setup, multipurpose platform, and a heavy well intervention and light drilling.

Below is the description of the two setups as described by the designer:

“One type is a multipurpose platform with various crane options for any type of service for the oil and gas industry, from simple maintenance jobs, accommodation and support to light well intervention. The large free main deck (approx. 1,200 m2) allows for flexible use, transporting equipment and materials to and from offshore locations, placing an additional accommodation block on it, accommodating a modular well intervention spread, etc.

The other type is a dedicated unit for heavy well intervention and light drilling. The X-Y skidding system provides a large drilling envelope of 15.2 m x 7.3 m (50 ft x 24 ft) and much appreciated additional deck space as it raises the entire cantilever and drill floor structure above the main deck by approximately 3.5 m (12 ft). The 7.3 m (24 ft) transverse reach with full combined cantilever load enables more flexibility for the operator to perform drilling operations.”