First of class semisub named

Scheduled for delivery in early 2011, the Atwood Osprey will be deployed by Chevron Australia in the Greater Gorgon area of northwest Australia. The ninth rig from the Friede & Goldman (F&G) ExD Millennium class series built by Jurong Shipyard, the Atwood Osprey was developed to meet the site’s particular environmental conditions on-site, and the yard claims it to be testament to its ability to enhance existing designs and overcome engineering challenges to meet the owner’s requirements.

Atwood Osprey is the first of two semi-submersible rigs contracted to Jurong Shipyard by Atwood Oceanics and, following its naming, the newbuilding will go through final testing and commissioning prior to its delivery. The moored rig will be capable of drilling up to 35,000ft as well as operating in water depths of up to 6,000ft with its own mooring equipment and 8,200ft with pre-laid mooring, and has an accommodation capacity for 200 persons.

Atwood Oceanics’ second rig order with Jurong Shipyard, of similar type but rated for 10,000ft water depth, is currently under construction, due to be delivered by mid 2012.