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The DSS-20-CAS-M will be Mærsk's first semi-submersible rig to be built in the Caspian and the most technologically advanced unit operating in the region.
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ABS-classed Parker Rig 257 is the world's first arctic-class drill barge. In operation for the last three years, it has made some significant finds in as little as 15 feet of water.
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he Caspian Sea in northwest Asia (bordered by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, |
Turkmenistan, Russia and Iran) is an unusual body of water: landlocked, extraordinarily shallow at its northern end, very deep on the southern end and subject to fierce winters. Environmentally sensitive since it is the breeding ground of the famed sturgeon that produce caviar, the Caspian is also a focus for international attention because of its huge oil and gas reserves. Always at the forefront of offshore challenges, ABS has provided classification services to two companies meeting the unique requirements for drilling in the Caspian.
Mærsk Contractors placed the order with Keppel FELS for a newbuild semi-submersible (DSS-20-CAS-M) in February 2001 after being awarded a three-year drilling contract by Exxon Azerbaijan Operating Company and Chevron Overseas Petroleum Azerbaijan. In 2002, part of the prefabricated structures were delivered to Baku, Azerbaijan, where final assembly and completion will be done by Keppel subsidiary Caspian Shipyard Company Ltd. When delivered in late 2003, this latest addition to the fleet will be Mærsk’s first semi-submersible rig to be built in the Caspian, and will be the most technologically advanced unit operating in the region.
According to Ibrahim Fawzy, District Manager, ABS Azerbaijan, the DSS-20-CAS-M will be capable of drilling in water depths from 240 to 3,280 feet which means that it can operate in more that two thirds of the Caspian Sea, restricted only by the shallows in the northern part of the sea. Capable of operating in harsh climates like North Sea rigs, the semi-submersible will be able to drill to depths of up to 30,000 feet.
Fawzy says the DSS-20-CAS-M is equipped with a zero discharge drilling mud system, giving it a high level of environmental protection. "Even rainwater falling on the rig will be collected and purified."
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Drilling in the shallows
The unusually shallow water in the northern third of the Caspian, calls for a different approach to drilling. Designed and built by Parker Drilling Company International, the ABS-classed Parker Rig 257 has been in operation for the last three years, and has made some significant finds in as little as 15 feet of water.
As the world’s first arctic-class drill barge, the Parker Rig 257 must operate in a climactically harsh yet environmentally sensitive area. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) issues played a strong role in the design of the rig, and include fire, gas and smoke detection and alarm systems, cascade breathing air systems, ice deflectors, amphibious Arktos escape vehicles, and a zero discharge mud system. "ABS has always been committed to safety not only for human lives and property, but for the natural environment as well," says Fawzy.
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