At the OTC in Houston Ulstein Sea of Solutions and NLI introduced a new, integrated derrick solution based on existing drilling equipment, readily available in the market.
With the development of the ‘Northern Light’ drilling derrick an alternative solution is provided based on proven and well known industry technologies to contractors and shipyards worldwide. The fully integrated derrick includes the drillfloor and substructure and can be transported, delivered and installed as one turnkey unit either from a shipyard or from NLI’s construction yard.
The derrick consists of a box beam structure with a collapsible/retractable top part to pass bridges. Pipes, cables and elevator all run inside the derrick legs, allowing for a sheltered environment, reduced maintenance costs and increased safety. As such, the derrick is very suitable to be upgraded for arctic operations.
This new derrick design uses conventional drilling equipment readily available in the market, but because of its lay-out offers a clean drillfloor and much more operational flexibility as three operations can be simultaneously performed. This is achieved by having the BOP and riser string handling outside of the derrick as is the case for X’mas tree deployment. Stand / casing building is performed within the derrick.
Integrated derrick offers clean dril floor and advanced safety and maintenance.
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Source: Ulstein, May 4, 2011;