Types of Offshore Rigs

Monday, September 21, 2009 by ShoXee

Offshore Oil Rig Types

Semi Submersible:

This is a offshore oil rig that has a floating drill unit that includes columns and pontoons that if flooded with water will cause the pontoons to submerge to a depth that is predetermined. It moves with waves and sits low on the water with most of the structure underneath the water. This is the type of drilling rig that is being used for the North Sea and west Scotland wells. Now with a leap in technology depths of up to 5000 feet can be achieved safely and easily. This type of rig platform will drill a hole in the seabed and can be quickly moved to new locations.

If you have any questions on offshore oil rig jobs or general employment in the industry, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Platform:

Formed from a combination of steel and concrete this offshore oil rig structure sits on the seabed. This immobile platform is designed to help drill the wells further into the ground and also to help produce greater levels of hydrocarbons.

Jack up:

A jack up is a mobile rig that instead of floating over the drill area like a semi submersible, this has a long leg that can lower or raise the rig in and out of the water. This rig type can only operate to 500 feet in the depth of water. Used frequently in the North Sea, as the areas there are not too deep for its use.

Drill ship:

This structure is designed in a ship shape as a drilling vessel. This rig does not need tugboats to keep in place unlike Jackup and Semi submersible. This offshore oil rig can drill in very deep waters.

Flotels:

A flotel is made up of a semi submersible that has been changed to suit a new purpose. It can be attached to a semi submersible and give extra accommodation for added employees. Also provides a place for catering and leisure activities.

Floating Production & Storage Units: This structure can be attached to the seabed and produce a place for the storage of oil until a tanker may take the oil to land. Can be made from units or tankers and also semi submersibles