The fifth semi-submersible drilling rig for North Sea began construction in CIMC Raffles
On June 28th, 2013, Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore Limited commences work on the fifth semi-submersible drilling rig named of “North Dragon” for North Sea Rigs As Company. “North Dragon” will carry out operations in Norway North Sea and Barents oil and gas fields, said in the company's press release.
In North Sea and Arctic Circle sea areas, it’s highly demanded for the performance of the rigs due to the extremely cold climate and severe sea condition. “North Dragon” employs GM4-D design, with basic design borne by Global Maritime and CIMC Raffles together and specific design and construction design borne by CIMC Raffles. Its working performance and comfort level improves further due to the combination of optimized design experience and latest North Sea design philosophy. North Sea meets the towage requirements of ice zone, and could operate surrounding Artic Circle and withstands the worst storm in a century.
North Dragon is a vessel with maximum operating depth of 500m, maximum drilling depth of 8000m, operating draft depth of 21m, operating temperature of minus 25 degrees Celsius which meets the ice class requirements. Besides, this platform is equipped with DP3 system and 8 spots mooring system, satisfying the NMD requirements and NORSOK and classed by DNV. Its drilling package is provided by NOV, with highly automated drilling process and the ability of riser operating offline.
North Dragon is the first EPC semi-submersible drilling rig domestically.
