The DSS™ 38 semisubmersible is the latest in a series of semi designs from Keppel O&M’s Deepwater Technology Group and Marine Structures Consultants, a part of the SBM Offshore Group. ABS will class this rig as well as four others for Petrobras. The rig will be delivered in 2009.

Petrobras has awarded classification of five of six semisubmersible orders being built by various Brazilian companies to ABS. The DSS™ 38 is one of those semis developed to meet operational requirements in the deepwater Golden Triangle region, comprising Brazil, Africa and the Gulf of Mexico.

Brazilian drilling contractor Queiroz Galvao Perfuracoes has awarded Keppel FELS Limited the contract to build the platform.

The DSS™ 38 is rated to drill to depths of 30,000 feet below mud line in just over 9,000 feet water depth. It is 99.5 meters in overall length, with a main deck size of 69.5 meters wide by 69.5 meters breadth. Its maximum operational displacement is approximately 40,000 tons at a draft of 20.5 meters. The maximum variable deck load of the DSS™ 38 is 5,500 tons, with accommodation facilities housing a crew of up to 130. It has both vertical and horizontal riser storage.

For ABS, a key technical highlight of its classification will include oversight of the eight azimuthing thrusters designed to keep the vessel in position. The vessel will receive ABS’ DP-2 notation upon meeting requirements.

ABS has classed other DSS™ designs and is well acquainted with their dynamic positioning (DP) systems allowing the vessel to maintain its position and heading by using its own propellers or thrusters. ABS has various notations for the level of redundancy in the DP system. Notations are available for DP-1, DP-2 or DP-3.