FULLY WINTERIZED DRILLSHIP FOR NORTH SEA.

A new drillship design specially developed for efficient winter drilling off northern Norway or in similar deep and stormy waters has been unveiled by Norwegian shipbuilder Moss Rosenberg Verft A/S (MRV). The concept features a hull configuration chosen on the basis of extensive model trials to give minimal motion in heavy weather, a choice of thruster-assisted mooring or full dynamic positioning, and full winterization of the topside arrangements. Particular stress has been laid on ensuring that the ship always lies with its bow to the weather, whatever the mooring/positioning system chosen. This is expected to reduce downtime and make station-keeping easier.