Thursday, June 19, 2008
Seadrill’s newbuild rig, West Phoenix, has been cleared to operate on the Norwegian Continental Shelf after receiving an acknowledgement of compliance (AoC) from the Petroleum Safety Authority.
The rig is the first in a series of brand new mobile units which are due to be used on the Norwegian continental shelf.
“We take a very positive view of the modernisation of drilling vessels intended to operate on the NCS,” says Finn Carlsen, PSA director of supervisory activities.
“At the same time, it’s important that these installations satisfy safety requirements and contribute to an improvement in the level of safety on the NCS. We’ve accordingly pursued a detailed dialogue with drilling contractors who’ve resolved to build new rigs intended for these waters.”
Forecasts indicate that seven-eight new mobile drilling units will be in operation on the NCS alone within a couple of years. Built by Samsung Shipyard in South Korea, West Phoenix is accordingly the first of many.