OREANDA-NEWS. Caspian Drilling Company Ltd and Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel FELS) have signed an agreement to build semi-submersible drilling rigs of the sixth generation in the Caspian Sea.
 The signing ceremony was held within the 20th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition Incorporating Refining and Petrochemicals on June 4. Under the agreement, Caspian Drilling Company Ltd signed an agreement with Caspian Rigbuilders BV (an affiliated company of Keppel FELS) to conduct design and engineering works, as well as with Caspian Shipyards Company Ltd to build the drilling rig.

The rig is designed for a drilling depth of up to 12,192 m and for operations in 1000m water depth. To meet the customer's requirements, it has been outfitted to include an 800m self-contained, eight-point mooring system. The pontoons have been designed for the rig to transit in channels with shallow draft of less than 7 m. The rig will provide all facilities for easy and safe operation of 160 crew members. The facility will also be equipped with advanced eco-friendly equipments. The rig is scheduled for delivery in 4th quarter of 2016.