OREANDA-NEWS. October 22, 2008. In November 2007 Vyborg Shipyard started construction of two semi-submersible floating drilling rigs (SSFDR) under the contract concluded with LLC Gazflot. Vyborg Shipyard is building lower hull whereas topside module is constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea. Further on the both structures will be transported to the same location, the semi-submersible hull will be ballasted to a draft of about 27m, Heavy Transport Vessel (HTV) with topside module on board will float onto the hull, therefore the both parts of the rig will be mated afloat.

Mating operation is very complex as SSFDR displacement is about 55 000 tons and topside weight is almost 20 000 tons. As subcontractor for this operation the Dutch company Dockwise Shipping BV was selected.

On September 14th Vyborg Shipyard and Dockwise signed a transportation and float over contract for two SSFDRs Gazflot. Mating operation will be performed at a Murmansk shipyard. Transportation will be provided by Dockwise HTV Black Marlin.