Keppel and ConocoPhillips to design first jackup rig for the Arctic Offshore

The ice-worthy jackup rig will be operating in one of the harshest marine frontiers, the Arctic Seas.

According to a statement, Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre, a design and engineering arm of Keppel Offshore & Marine, and ConocoPhillips are jointly designing a first-of-its-kind ice-worthy jackup rig to operate in one of the harshest marine frontiers, the Arctic Seas.

This jackup rig will have dual cantilevers to optimise drilling operations within a limited time window. The rig is capable of operating in a self-sustained manner for 14 days and is equipped with a hull that is designed for towing in ice. It is also able to resist the impacts from multi-year ice floes and ridges as well as withstand certain level of ice thickness. This joint design project is expected to be completed by end 2013.