Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen, part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, has completed a major upgrade of a Keppel Fels ‘N’ Class drilling rig, one of the largest in the North Sea, in thirty days less than was initially projected by the client. Owner Rowan Companies plc. projected that the work on the Rowan Viking would require 130 days, but through the application of innovative project planning techniques and highly specialised equipment Damen was able to reduce this by nearly 25 percent.

The scope of the project involved the extension of the three legs by 10 metres to 180 metres, a five-yearly special periodic survey and bringing the rig up to standard for the AoC (acknowledgement of compliance) certification required by the Norwegian authorities. The Vlissingen yard was chosen for its large size, convenient location on the North Sea and its suitable quayside. It also has previous experience in converting jack up rigs, most recently the Atlantic Amsterdam and Atlantic Labrador.

Tags: Damen Shipyards