By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 11 -- Transocean Ltd. reported the newbuild ultradeepwater drillship Discoverer Inspiration has started operations for Chevron USA Inc. in the Gulf of Mexico under a 5-year drilling contract.
The vessel is an enhanced version of Transocean's three predecessor Enterprise-class drillships, which have set deepwater drilling records in recent years, including the world water-depth drilling record of 10,011 ft set by the Discoverer Deep Seas while working for Chevron in the Gulf of Mexico.
The dual-activity technology, along with a new and enhanced top drive system, a high-pressure mud system, and other unique features of the drillship target the drilling of wells up to 40,000 ft of total depth. The rig also has a variable deckload of more than 20,000 tonnes and the capability of drilling in up to 12,000 ft of water.