Jack-up conversion gets underway

Built in 1983, the rig arrived at the Scheldepoort yard in Vlissingen on June 26 and the refit will take several months. The project will involve the complete removal of the drilling installation from the rig including the 80m drilling tower, sliding piece, cement and mud tanks, as well as all the remaining drilling equipment and redundant cabling and piping. Scheldepoort will meanwhile build a new 400tonne accommodation block which is to be placed on the deck, while the current accommodation facilities will be refurbished and new life saving equipment installed. The rig is to be fitted with sponsons in order to comply with stability regulations.

Alewijnse says it will work on a number of systems including the installation of a PA/GA system and the fire and gas detection system, and will perform additional support activities.