QGOG Constellation has recently announced an option for an advanced-capability DP3 ultra-deepwater drillship to be constructed by Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries.
The option took place via an OGOG Constellation subsidiary and will be the third drillship with Samsung. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in December 2014.
The unit will have advanced capabilities to meet the requirements of ultra-deepwater drilling in water depths of over 3,600 metres and a total vertical drilling depth of 12,000 metres, based on the proprietary Samsung 12000 hull.
The drillship will have the latest dynamic positioning capabilities and a complete dual activity hoisting system with enhanced client and third-party facilities.
The drillship will be prepared for a second BOP, Managed Pressure Drilling, and has advanced systems for capping oil spill from damaged deep-water wells and will be equipped with the highest standard 15,000psi subsea well control system. A 165 tonne active heave compensating crane will be installed and will allow the unit to be used for the deployment of subsea production equipment without interfering with other ongoing drilling operations.
The rig will also be equipped with six 5.5MW thrusters for enhanced station-keeping; five mud pumps; seven shale shakers; expanded drilling fluids and bulk capacity, and will offer a payload in excess of 20,000 metric tonnes.
The addition of this new drillship will further strengthen QGOG Constellation's offshore fleet comprising eleven units. Of these eleven units, eight are ultra-deepwater rigs of which three are under construction. According to the company: "the drillship will be built with a state-of-the-art design and the highest technological standards currently available in the market, providing clear advantages to future clients."
Source: Asiasis