ABS says it will class INDEPENDENCIA 1, the first ever offshore drilling rig built in Mexico. This is significant in that it represents new offshore construction in the country after a 25 year hiatus, notes the classification society.

The rig is a modification of an existing Friede and Goldman design reviewed in accordance with the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units.

The jack-up was built in three different locations. Legs and jacking gears were built in Guadalarjara; quarters, spud cans, cantilever and helideck were built in Puerto Viejo; and the total combined construction is taking place in Tuxpan, Mexico. The INDEPENDENCIA 1, is expected to be delivered the end of July. The rig will be owned and operated by Operadora CISCA.

April 20, 2011