Britoil Offshore platform supplier re-enters service as drilling vessel following conversion
US-based Woocheen, via its Seas Geosciences division, has completed conversion of the platform supply vessel BOS Princess into a multipurpose geotechnical drilling vessel that will serve the global offshore energy industry.
Equipped to support Seas Geosciences' geotechnical investigations, BOS Princess has been outfitted with custom tools capable of seamlessly transitioning from water depths of 10 metres to more than 4,000 metres while conducting simultaneous downhole and seabed operations, said Seas Geosciences President Paolo Casciotti.
"This vessel has been specifically designed to serve the global offshore energy industry and is fitted with our fully automated topside geotechnical rig, our innovative 350kN seabed CPT system, our successful deepwater seabed drill, and an array of geotechnical tools," Casciotti said.
"We have created an asset that is 100 percent customized for the typical requirements of today’s offshore developments."
Seas Geosciences' new 350kN seabed cone penetration testing unit and its deepwater drill were designed and built in-house, while the topside rig has been fully customised for safe and efficient operations.
The seabed CPT is fully automated for safety and streamlined operations, is fitted with both a fully lubricated coiled and a straight rod, and will also be launched via the vessel’s moonpool. It is equipped with cameras and telemetry for precise landing operations, and its telescopic legs make it ideal for sloped and uneven seabeds.
The deepwater drill will be launched from the stern using Seas Geosciences' proprietary launch and recovery system. It can conduct deep-penetration downhole geotechnical boreholes in deep and ultra-deep waters.
The newly converted BOS Princess will be deployed to serve projects globally. Seas Geosciences will operate the vessel under a multi-year charter signed with owner Britoil Offshore Services of Singapore.
