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Singapore Shipyard
Benefits from ABS Approved Construction Method
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Work
proceeds on the ABS approved construction sequence
of GlobalSantaFe’s Development Driller
I semisubmersible at the Jurong Shipyard
in Singapore, utilizing the innovative skidding
process. The upper hull is constructed over
a skid truss connected to 12 skid shoes. The
keel blocks and supporting truss are laid in
dry dock. The dry dock is then partially flooded
to bring pontoons and columns up to the underside
of the deck.
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ollowing an ABS approved construction sequence
for a new-build semisubmersible, |
the Jurong Shipyard, Singapore, has developed an innovative
construction process and methodology, says ABS Project Manager
Robert Smith. Jurong applied its new construction system to
the building of GlobalSantaFe’s semisubmersible Development
Driller I, which is scheduled to deliver toward the end
of first quarter 2004.
“ABS understands that prescriptive rules don’t
always apply and that it’s important to evaluate improved
methods to speed delivery while maintaining the highest safety
standards,” said Smith.
Conventional building in dry dock, advises Smith, ties up
valuable resources for long periods of time. This new Jurong
approach, however, involves the simultaneous construction
of the upper and lower hulls of a deepwater semisubmersible,
culminating in a unique skidding operation to mate the two
halves.
Jurong completed the development of this engineering feat,
thought to be the first of its kind involving the skidding
of such a heavy structure, over a two-year period, and completed
the structural mating of the hulls within 11 hours—well
within the planned schedule.
The upper hull, weighing approximately 14,000 tons and measuring
8.6 meters in height and 75 meters in length and width, was
built on land over a skid truss reinforced to take the substantial
load. The yard then fully outfitted the upper hull with the
drillfloor and drilling tower/derrick.
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Jurong built the lower hulls, consisting of two pairs of pontoons
and columns, separately in its Dry Dock 5, and subsequently shifted
the pontoons and columns into Dry Dock 3 prior to the skidding and
mating operations.
Smith notes, “We coordinated plans from the design team
and the design review team, considerably improving turn-around time,”
said Smith.
He added that ABS’ vendor coordination team tracked third
parties and supplied specifications and requirements to make the
construction process most efficient. “We also supplied the
required safety certifications on behalf of the flag State, the
Republic of Vanuatu,” said Smith.
Following the mating process for Development Driller I, Jurong
installed the emergency generator, helideck, flare booms, winches
and cranes, remaining deck equipment, anchor bolsters and moorings.
Thruster installation and sea trials commenced late in 2003.
Further demonstrating needs-oriented customer service capabilities,
ABS is certifying the drilling system of Development Driller
I.
Three additional new-build GlobalSantaFe drilling units, all built
in Singapore yards, also have requested or have already received
the ABS CDS classification notation. Those rigs include semisubmersible
Development Driller II and two jackup units, Constellation
I and Constellation II. Constellation I delivered
last summer; Constellation II delivers toward the end of
first quarter 2004; and Development Driller II delivers
in 2005.
For more information, visit the ABS newsroom at: http://www.eagle.org/news/press/oct2203.html.
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