Semi-Submersible Designs

Friede & Goldman's presence in the category of semi-submersible design is long and well established in the offshore industry. During the 70's, 80's, and 90's, F&G's world-class Pacesetter and Trendsetter designs enjoyed unparallel success with over 48 semi-submersibles of these types built.

With the approach of the new millennium, however, the operational requirements for semi-submersible designs were changing. In order to accommodate the increasing demands for rigs to drill deeper and in harsher environments while keeping the exploration costs to a minimum brought new challenges to all, F&G undertook the design a new class of semi-submersibles.

One of the primary challenges for F&G in accommodating the demand for deeper drilling was the need to increase deck space to allow for additional riser storage and mud capacity. More deck space meant increased cost to build and operate, potentially making this an unaffordable option for the drilling contractors. However, the F&G engineers came up with the innovative idea of storing the risers vertically in the upper hull.

This major change in deck design was just the beginning of many new advancements F&G made to their new Millennium Class semi-submersible design.

DPS-3, DPS-3 Limited, or DPS-2 Classification - Enhanced riser and pipe handling:
  • Vertical riser handling
  • Dual load paths for enhanced open water operations
  • HPPH System - three-way tubular handling and moonpool hand off capability
  • Rotary table versatility - 120" and 60.5" with dedicated spider storage
  • Riser fairing handling capability at rig floor or moonpool levels
Enhanced moonpool functionality:
  • Two way access to moonpool area
  • Efficient completion tree staging, testing, and handling capability
  • Tubular make-up and hand off capability
  • FSR (free-standing riser) handling ready with secondary riser spider support facility
  • In-line slip joint riser tensioning ready
  • High capacity wire-line riser-tensioning system
  • Centralized high capacity mud handling
  • AC powered drilling equipment
  • Centralized BOP and MOCOMP auxiliaries and controls
  • Enhanced mud storage capabilities
  • Dedicated brine and base oil storage
  • Ergonomic quarters arrangement
  • Pontoon shape optimized for low current drag thereby reducing station keeping loads