With operators drilling more challenging deepwater programs, the demand for dynamically positioned drillships with versatile, multifunctional capabilities has grown accordingly.
Several years ago Ensco set out to configure and deploy a drillship with features to enhance operators’ drilling programs in ultradeepwater environments. It linked up with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI)—the world’s largest drillship builder—to develop state-of-the-art vessels with a range of capabilities adaptable to each operator’s specific requirements.
The resulting Samsung 96k DWT design has been used for several units from the ENSCO DS-3 to the ENSCO DS-7, with these vessels equipped with advanced technological features for drilling and completing deepwater wells including DPS-3 certified dynamic positioning, six-ram 15,000-psi BOPs, enhanced offline capability, 2.5 MMlb hook load on main rotary, 6,000-bbl active and 7,400-bbl reserve dual-fluid systems, 165-mt active heave subsea crane, significant storage and deck space and accommodations for up to 200 people.
The ongoing trend to drill even deeper and more complex reservoirs, however, means that operators need even more advanced technology. Ensco again collaborated with SHI to develop a next-generation drillship based on the proprietary Samsung GF 12000 design, which it chose for its latest line of ultradeepwater units, the ENSCO DS-8, ENSCO DS-9 and ENSCO DS-10.
The Samsung GF 12000 “Green Future” design offers numerous improvements for higher operating efficiency. Primary to these capabilities are a focus on redundant equipment—such as riser handling, pipehandling and BOPs—throughout the drilling systems to eliminate single-point failures.
The 165-ton active heave compensating subsea construction crane enables deployment of subsea production equipment without interference with ongoing drilling operations and allows the handling of items too large or awkward to fit through the moonpool. Retractable thrusters significantly reduce out-of-service maintenance and allow easy access to ports worldwide. Ensco also said that, due to hull form improvements and the ability to retract the three forward thrusters while transiting, customers can save on fuel relative to older drillships.
Additional features include enhanced safety and environmental features; dynamic positioning capabilities; and drilling and completion functionality such as below-main-deck riser storage, triple fluid systems, offline conditioning capability, and enhanced client and third-party facilities.
Ensco said these latest-generation rigs have earned it multiyear contracts with major customers over other drillship designs. Ensco has, for example, been awarded a five-year contract with Total for the ENSCO DS-8 and a three-year contract with ConocoPhillips for the ENSCO DS-9, which has enhanced features such as managed pressure drilling and riser gas handling. ENSCO DS-10 will also have a seven-ram 15,000-psi BOP.
Vessel Facts
Sector: Deepwater Drilling
Owner: Ensco
Names: Ensco DS-8, 9 & 10
Vessel Design: Samsung GF12000
Yard Built: SHI
First Operations: fourth-quarter 2015 onward
Size (length/beam): 230 m by 38 m (754.5 ft by 124.6 ft)
Max Water Depth: 3,658 m (12,000 ft)
Max Drilling Depth: 2,192 m (40,000 ft)
Transit Speed: 10 knots
BOP: 15,000 psi, 6 or 7 Ram
Operating/Regional Arena: Worldwide deepwater
Classification: ABS A1E DP3
Recommended Reading
About 16% Crude Production Shut in GoM Due to Tropical Storm Helene
2024-09-24 - About 16% of crude production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico on Sept. 24 were shut-in in response to Tropical Storm Helene.
Rice: EQT Walking the Walk on Natgas Emissions, Despite Politics
2024-09-20 - Methane emissions are falling in parts of the world as companies such as EQT, led by CEO Toby Rice, make strides to reduce emissions in their operations, although the task is not without challenges.
More Than 12% of US GoM Oil Output Still Shut After Hurricane Francine
2024-09-16 - There were 213,204 bbl/d of oil and 298 MMcf of natural gas still offline after Francine hit the coast last week.
US Gulf Coast Residents Flee, Oil Production Shut as Francine Intensifies
2024-09-10 - Energy companies shut-in output at several production platforms as Francine is poised to become a major test for U.S. LNG export plants.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.