By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Dec. 14 -- Pride International Inc. plans to build another ultradeepwater drillship, which is the fifth that the drilling contractor has ordered since 2007.
Estimated construction cost, including commissioning and system integrated-testing and project management, is $600 million.
Samsung Heavy Industries Ltd. will construct the drillship at its shipyard in Geoje, South Korea. Delivery is expected during 2013.
The drillship, to be named later, is based on an SHI proprietary hull design measuring 750 ft by 140 ft.
The rig's design and capabilities, including a dual derrick, allow for numerous well construction and field development activities that can be performed in parallel.
Designed for 12,000 ft of water, the drillship initially will be capable of drilling in 10,000 ft. It will feature dynamic positioning and provide housing for 200 people.
Pride International of Houston operates a fleet of 25 rigs, including 4 deepwater drillships, 12 semisubmersible rigs, 7 independent-leg jack ups, and 2 managed deepwater rigs. The company's fleet operates primarily off Brazil and West Africa.
US Department of the Interior.
File photo from PDVSA..
