Scarabeo 7 (Fig. 1), a converted semisubmersible delivered Oct. 25, 1999, will utilize a thruster-assisted, eight-line mooring system outfitted for water-depth operations up to 1,500 ft.
At a cost of $229 million, including purchase of the vessel, the semisubmersible expands Saipem's (an ENI company) offshore fleet to five semisubmersibles and four jack ups.
The conversion is part of a $904 million investment allocated by the company for the 1998-2001 4-year plan. About 80% of this capital will be directed towards the offshore sector.
The semisubmersible will go to work for Eni-Agip this month on a 2-year commitment near Egypt, Italy, and West Africa. Work on the conversion began in Turkey's Tuzla shipyard and was completed at the Fincanteiri shipyard in Palermo. The main deck's dimensions are 77.5 x 61.3 m with a variable drilling deck load equal to 4,000 tons (Fig. 2). According to Saipem, the huge size of Scarabeo 7 can be compared in overall height with the spire of the Milan Duomo Cathedral.
The drilling equipment is designed to reach a vertical depth of 25,000 ft and is outfitted with a 2 million-lb static load derrick (1.5 million-lb dynamic). Additionally, Saipem says, the vessel follows stringent guidelines for zero discharge.
