Chinese shipyard to build Zentech jackup rig design

MAY 13, 2013—China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Guangzhou Huangpu Shipbuilding is starting the construction of two jackup drilling rigs based on a new design from Zentech, Inc., Houston, TX. The new R-550D jack up rig, which will be capable of drilling in water depths of 400 feet, is being constructed for Singapore’s Alliance Offshore Drilling Pte. Ltd. The contract contains options to build an additional two jackups.

Guangzhou Huangpu Shipbuilding has joined with TSC Group Holdings, Ltd., a Cayman Islands company, and Zentech to form a new business model for the design of the basic rig, fully integrated drilling equipment and control package, and construction at the Huangpu Shipyard. The concept is centered on the patented Zentech R-550D, a high capacity and extended reach jackup drilling rig, rated for 400 ft water depths. This design was recently approved by the Technical Appraisal Committee, comprised of a blue-ribbon panel of Chinese and international offshore drilling experts, and has also been granted ABS Class approval.

Guangzhou Huangpu Shipbuilding has advanced ship design and manufacturing. It recently built a 400-ton shallow-water heavy lift and pipe-laying vessel and an engineering survey vessel for 3,000 meter water depths.

TSC Group Holdings is a global product and service provider, serving both onshore and offshore drilling industries worldwide. TSC’s comprehensive product lines include drilling equipment, mechanical handling equipment, solids control equipment, power control and drives, drill cabins, deck cranes, tensioning and compensation systems for semi-submersible rigs and drillships.