JACK-UPS

Towards the end of the 1990’s, F&G began designing the JU2000 class jack-up in order to meet the industry’s requirement for jackups that could drill deeper and withstand harsher environments. While F&G’s L-780 series, introduced during the 80’s was a resounding success, these new requirements called for more than a simple upgrade to the design.

One of the first and most important enhancements designed by F&G for the JU-2000 was a result of trying to include a larger and farther-reaching cantilever. The task of keeping the rig to a minimum size for cost efficiency while at the same time making room for a larger cantilever on board required F&G to produce innovative solutions to numerous design challenges. The F&G engineers designed the deckhouse quarters, traditionally located amidship, to wrap around the forward leg. This concept made it possible to keep the rig at a minimum size and thereby reduced not only the initial cost of the rig, but the operating cost as well.

Enhanced Leg Design

• Reduced leg drag and storm loads
• Reduced leg weight that maintains a high stiffness to weight ratio
• Reduced number of welded connections in leg construction
• Increased strength to cost ratio

Extended Reach Cantilever

• Provides maximum reach of 75 feet aft of transom
• Accommodates maximum combined drilling load of 2600 kips on centerline at 75 feet extension
• Designed for 40’ x 40’ derrick to accommodate state-of-the-art drill string handling tools
• Drill floor can be skidded 15’ either side of longitudinal center line of rig
• Increased pipe rack space allows for option of horizontal pipe handling system

Modular Hull Design

• Comprised of three basic modules
• Streamlines construction process
• Provides for cost effective construction.