Cellar Deck Modifications

The port side cellar deck was lowered approximately 2m. This involved re-configuration of the primary support steel of the cellar deck and relocation of numerous rig piping systems and services. Detailed forward planning and comprehensive installation procedures ensured the work could be carried out safely on-tow with no access to onshore fabrication services. ICON provided a dedicated engineering and construction team to integrate with the rigcrew to coordinate and execute the work.

Subsea Tree Skidding System

A hydraulic subsea tree skidding system was designed and manufactured by ICON to suit the revised cellar deck configuration and the latest SST configurations. The system consisted of a hydraulically skidded base, controlled remotely and powered by a custom built HPU. The system was modularised to allow transfer to other rigs on a project by project basis.

Lifting a subsea tree from the supply boat

Deck Crane Upgrade

The upgrade involved removal of an existing Linkbelt crane, relocation of an existing Seatrax 6024 crane and installation of a new Seatrax 6032 crane, both on new pedestals. The pedestal and crane installations were carefully engineered and staged as no harbourside craneage was available. The relocations required the installation of a temporary stiff leg derrick crane to assist. Significant hull strengthening was required to accommodate the new larger cranes. The design was verified using FE analysis.

The upgrade was completed on schedule and on budget. This project resulted in a significant overall cost saving compared to undertaking the work in a ship yard, it also minimised rig-downtime allowing the unit to return to normal drilling operations in the shortest possible time.

The project demonstrates that with careful project planning significant upgrades to drilling rigs can be undertaken outside a shipyard while rigs are on tow between drilling locations or in remote locations away from suitable shipyards.