China’s CIMC Raffles completed its first Arctic-operable semisubmersible for client North Sea Rigs at its Yantai yard, the company announced on 19 January.
CIMC Raffles designed the semisub together with Global Maritime. The North Dragon, a GM4-D design, is capable of operating in water depths ranging from 500-1200m and drill down to depths of 8000m. It is an ice class deepwater unit able to operate in harsh environments around -25℃.
It is equipped with a Rolls-Royce power system, Kongsberg DP3 dynamic positioning system, Siemens electronic control system and NOV drilling system.
The company said through improving operation draft and increasing static air gap of unit, heave motion response amplitude of unit has been reduced.
Image: CIMC Raffles
