Energy News June 2007

More Jackups: Orion Orders to ABS

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The hull (MIS Hull 104) of a Friede & Goldman Super M2 Jackup for Mosvold under construction at the MIS Sharjah yard in the United Arab Emirates building to ABS standards.

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Leg fabrication for a Friede & Goldman Super M2 Jackup classed by ABS is among the first jackups to be built in the United Arab Emirates.

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ABS Surveyor Darko Begovic works with a representative from MIS during construction of the first jackups being built in the United Arab Emirates for Mosvold.

Independent drilling contractor Orion International Drilling Services, Ltd has signed a contract for two Friede & Goldman Super M2 jackups at the MIS yard, Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates naming ABS its classification society. This follows the order in mid-2006 by Mosvold Drilling Ltd. of its Mosvold rigs both of the same design and the first to be built in the UAE together with the other two units being built at QGM for Thule Drilling.

The contract includes an option for two additional rigs says ABS UAE District Manager Joe Brincat. The jackups will be enhanced with additional power, pumping capacity and larger diameter spud cans.