Perro Negro 6 Salvage Operation Due to Start

Salvage operation for sunken Perro Negro 6 jack-up drilling rig is due to start in this quarter.

The rig sank in approximately 130 feet (40 meters) of water after the seabed collapsed under one of its three legs.

The event occurred during the rig positioning on location prior to starting drilling operations, between the coasts of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As Reuters reports, Saipem has selected the Dutch company Smit Salvage, a subsidiary of Boskalis, to conduct the operation.

As Boskalis’ spokesperson said, the project is expected to last approximately 10 months.

Smit Salvage will mobilize a diving support vessel, a work barge, anchor handling tugs and specialized equipment for the salvage operation of Perro Negro 6.

Smit Salvage will remove the hull, legs and other components originating from the jack-up platform.

Subsea World News Staff, April 29, 2014;  Image: Saipem