Leiv Eiriksson
The drilling rig Leiv Eiriksson arrived in Sinop, Turkey, on January 2nd 2010 after being in transit from the Westcon Shipyard in Ølen, Norway, where it has been undergoing preparations for the operation in the Black Sea for the Brazilian oil and gas company Petrobras.
The main element in this project has been to dismantle the upper part of the drilling derrick in order to make the rig able to pass under the two suspension bridges crossing the Bosporus straits.
This has been a challenging operation demanding the outmost coordination and accuracy in the jacking and skidding operations of the derrick. The Derrick was split by using a skid and jacking system consisting of a jacking tower erected on the aft Riser deck. Once jacked down on riser deck, the derrick was properly sea-fastened for the journey to the Black Sea. In Sinop the derrick will be reassembled and the rig will undergo acceptance testing for Petrobras before the drilling operations begins. The first well is planned to be drilled in 2240 meters of water depth.
During these preparations, the Leiv Eriksson has been undertaking major service work. Main "side activities" like;
• Change out 3+ 2 thrusters with overhaul, Repairs and re-certification
• Service & certify Hydra racker (pipe handling machine)
• Service & certification of Hydra tong (Iron Roughneck)
• Service & certification of Pipe and Riser Catwalk Machines
• Install new Main Engine Exhaust, 2 ea. Port side
• Install new Sea water cooling lines
• Service HVAC systems
• Electrical Motors service and re-certification
• Accommodation work
• Install 3rd. Party Services on behalf of Petrobras
• Preservation of equipment not in use
• Tagging
• Service and re-certification of the Deck cranes
• Service and re-certification of BOP
• Paint Projects
• Rig Maintenance