![[South Africa] Odfjell teams up with Semco for a new dry-docking concept](Images/Key Industry Images/OilandGas.jpg)
[South Africa] Odfjell teams up with Semco for a new dry-docking concept
Odfjell Drilling and Semco Maritime have signed a contract for preparation and modification of Deepsea Stavanger prior to the commencement of a 9-month drilling campaign for Total in the harsh waters outside South Africa. The semi-submersible rig will complete a high docking (with thrusters on) at Semco Maritime's rig yard at Hanøytangen, Bergen, in Q1 2020.
“We are proud and humbled that world-class drilling company Odfjell Drilling has selected the Semco Maritime team for this complex and high profile project. The high docking allow for a minimized diving operation during antifouling or the hull and optimization of the time spent on seawater valve change, ”says Managing Director of Semco Maritime Norway, Lars Jønholt Halvorsen.
The method furthermore allows for other measures to optimize the hydrodynamics of the hull as well as the planned and planned drilling operation would benefit from this modification. These measures will reduce the carbon footprint or the rig when in operation.
“During the risk-out phase, we enjoyed excellent cooperation with the Odfjell Drilling team with a shared focus on how to perform a high docking on one of the largest floating drilling units in the world. We have worked to ensure quality in all aspects of the project while putting safety first at all times. We look forward to continuing the teamwork and delivering a well-planned and safe project, ”says Lars Jønholt Halvorsen.
Deepsea Stavanger is custom-built for operations in harsh environment areas and among the most advanced semi-submersible rigs in the world. The heavy double-derrick unit was built in 2010 and designed for operations at water depths or up to 3,000 meters. The scope of the project includes upgrading the rig's hull and mooring system as well as installation of purpose-built equipment for operations in the tough environment off the South African coast.
Semco Maritime expects to employ 100-200 people on the project at Hanøytangen where the facilities include Northern Europe's largest operating dry dock or 125x125 meters, accommodation with single beds for 365 workers, several quays with depth ranging from 17-90 meters at quayside and people in-house and support from suppliers holding significant track record on rig upgrade projects.
