Kongsberg Wins Contracts for Advanced Offshore Drilling Units

Kongsberg announced that CIMC Yantai Raffles in China and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding in Korea have selected extensive dynamic positioning (DP), automation, new generation safety system, integrated navigation, hydroacoustic positioning and latest riser management solutions from Kongsberg. The contracts are for two new Frigstad D90 design drilling rigs and one Bassoe Technology BT-UDS design drillship.

The total value of the contracts is in excess of $24.5 million (NOK 150 million). The contracts have options for a total of eight additional units. The rigs are destined for operation in the burgeoning Brazilian offshore oil & gas sector and Gulf of Mexico.

Both projects are designed according to DnV Dynpos Autro, IMO DP Class 3, and will operate in water depths up to 9,843 feet (3,000 meters). The rigs are due for delivery to the owner Frigstad Drilling in Q1 and Q3 2016, and to Sigma Drilling in Q2 2015. The projects will be supplied with the latest integrated technology from Kongsberg Maritime.

"Kongsberg Maritime has close cooperation with CIMC Yantai Raffles and has already delivered six systems to advanced drilling units at this yard. The latest round of contracts reflects our strong position in the advanced offshore vessel and drilling rig market," comments Tor Erik Sørensen, executive vice president Sales, Marketing and International Operations, Kongsberg Maritime. "The orders represent our Full Picture strategy, and strengthen our position in China for advanced projects in the Oil & Gas sector. We are supplying all key positioning and automation systems, whilst the Riser Management Systems are designed and delivered by our sister company Kongsberg Oil & Gas Technologies."