West Epsilon

Eigenaar: Seadrill Offshore
Type: Jack-up Drilling Rig
Periode: October - November 2006

The West Epsilon is a deepwater jack-up for up to 120 meter water depth and capable of drilling up to 9,100 metres. It was built in 1993 by Keppel Fels, Singapore. In October it was towed to the yard.

Noble Ton van Langeveld

The works was split up three-fold:
-           Off-hire scope
-           On-hire scope
-           Opportunity Maintenance / Survey requirements

The off-hire scope included the removal of a large dropped object deck below the cantilever deck and the re-routing of the raw water system and the re-instatement of the Texas Deck. Part of this work consisted of the renewal of hydraulic piping on the skidding system and the installation of the riser tensioning system. Two flare booms were also refitted. In addition measurements were carried out to the spud cans using laser technology for the future installation of extensions to adapt to specific field requirements. Furthermore, assistance was rendered for the lifting, transportation, and overhaul of two BOP's (weight each about 90 m tons) and several installations of containerized equipment ranging from steel foundations and sea fastenings to electrical hook-up.

For maintaining DNV class various related activities were conducted. Essential works were the renewal of leg anodes and the re-alignment of the dolly frame in the drilling tower. Time being of the essence, both works were undertaken using rope access teams instead of the traditional way by scaffolding access. Part of the scope comprised of wear & tear repairs to the dolly frame. Further, visual and non-destructive examinations were carried out to the legs and spud can; welded critical connections and repairs were completed.  

Opportunity maintenance entailed various repairs to cooling water and hydraulic piping systems, the latter involving extensive flushing of lines. Painting upkeep comprised of re-coating work to crane pedestals, jacking system gearboxes, parts of decks and intersections between spud cans and legs. The cantilever skid holes were line bored and provided with new bushes. Assistance was rendered to Owners for various accommodation renovations. The yard period was finalised by conducting a lightweight survey prior to sail-away.