Considering continuing rapid economic development in Azerbaijan and the demand for modern drilling rigs due to new projects in the oil and gas industry, on June 4, 2013, "Caspian Drilling Company Ltd." owned by the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan and "Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd." concluded the respective agreements for the construction of a new sixth-generation semi-submersible drilling rig for operations in the Caspian Sea. Given the project's economic significance, its investment was entrusted to the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan. They respectively became the founders of the “Azerbaijan Rigs” LLC, which was established for this purpose. One of the primary defined responsibilities of “Azerbaijan Rigs” LLC is to ensure cost-efficient financing of the project, supported by both shareholders and financed by state funds.
Construction of the sixth-generation semi-submersible drilling rig that began on July 17 2013, is designed according to Keppel FELS’ proprietary model DSS38M. Capable of operating in depth of 1,000m of water, the rig is built to drill up to 12,000 m. The pontoons have been designed for the rig to transit in channels with a shallow draft of less than seven meters.
The new drilling rig accommodates 160 crew members to work comfortably and safe, and its first operations were carried out in the most prospective structures of Azerbaijan. The rig has been delivered in Q4 2018.
New 6th Generation Semi-submersible Drilling Rig Design
A new 6th Generation Semi-submersible Drilling Rig DSS38M design will feature two (2) TTS NMF electro-hydraulic...
Factory Acceptance Test
Factory Acceptance Test for instrumentation, control and automation of the Diesel Generator has been held at the...
Erection of Upper Hull Block
Erection of Upper Hull Block of DSS38M model sixth generation semi-submersible drilling rig has been fulfilled.
The installation of 1st engine
The installation of 1st engine to new generation drilling rig has been completed.