DNV Classes World's First Circular Ultra-Deepwater Rig

A new milestone has been reached in the offshore drilling industry. The first circular drilling rig prepared for drilling at a water depth of almost 4,200 meters was named at COSCO Shipyard Group’s Qidong Shipyard on June 28.

A grand naming ceremony was held at the site to celebrate the successful completion of the Sevan Driller.
“The successful construction of the Sevan Driller is a milestone for the COSCO Shipyard Group. It is also a milestone for China in the offshore industry. Offshore newbuilding has been clearly recognized as one of the focus areas for the Chinese shipbuilding industry to develop in the years to come. By this naming ceremony, China has demonstrated its capability and expertise,” said Jorg Beiler, the vice president and regional manager of DNV China.

The Sevan Driller is the world’s first of its kind, with the most advanced deep-water drilling capabilities that allow it to drill wells of up to almost 13,500 meters (40,000 feet) in water depths of up to nearly 4,200 meters (12,500 feet) and an internal storage capacity of up to 150,000 barrels of oil.

Rigzone