CIMC Raffles begins construction of Frigstad Deepwater Rig Alfa

 On the morning of August 28th 2013, a steel cutting ceremony was held in Haiyang production base for the construction of Frigstad Deepwater Rig Alfa--the world’s largest ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig. The rig will be constructed by CIMC Raffles for Frigstad Deepwater. Harald Frigstad, the President of Frigstad, Simen S Eriksen, the CEO of Frigstad and Yu Ya, President of CIMC Raffles started the steel cutting machine together.

Frigstad Deepwater Rig Alfa belongs to the latest generation of ultra deepwater semi-submersible drilling rigs and is also the second one constructed by CIMC Raffles for Frigstad Deepwater. This platform is a drilling rig with a length of 177 meters, width of 92.7 meters and height of 118 meters. It features a maximum displacement of 70000 tons, maximum operating water depth of 12000 feet (3658 meters), drilling depth of 50000 feet (15250 meters) and dual top drives load of 1250sh.tons. Besides, it is equipped with DP3 dynamic positioning system. This platform is classified by Norway Classification Society. It boasts of an efficiently-designed space and a convenient maintenance access, and for the first time, employs DP3 enclosed circle design, detritus cabin processing and storage system as well as a ballast water treatment system. What is more, due to its NOV hydraulic dual towers design, its production efficiency will be highly improved on the basis of security guarantee. This drilling rig is operational in multi deepwater areas, such as the Mexico Gulf, the China South Sea, Australia, the Brazil Sea, West Africa and the South Atlantic.

The basic design of Frigstad Deepwater Rig Alfa is provided by Frigstad Engineering Company whereas its detailed construction design, construction and commissioning work will be carried out by CIMC Raffles. Besides, CIMC Raffles will independently complete the installment and commissioning of the entire drilling system. It will continue to employ the unique construction mode-- carrying out parallel construction of deckbox and lower hull by 20,000 tons gantry crane.

Frigstad Deepwater Rig Alfa is scheduled to be delivered at the end of 2015.

1. On June 28th 2013, CIMC Raffles started the construction of North Dragon deepwater semi-submersible drilling platform for North Sea Rigs As.
2. COSLPROSPECTOR, the fourth deepwater semi-submersible drilling platform constructed by CIMC Raffles for China Oilfield Services Limited Drilling Europe AS (CDE) will begin the combination of upper and lower hull in late September 2013 as scheduled. 

[Picture 1] Harald Frigstad, the President of Frigstad Deepwater is addressing at the ceremony.
[Picture 2] Yu Ya, the President of CIMC Raffles is addressing at the ceremony.
[Picture 3] The first steel of Frigstad Deepwater Rig Alfa is being cut.