DEEPWATER ATLAS, the first of Transocean’s two, eighth generation drillships, commenced operations in the Gulf of Mexico. This unique vessel was a result of the successful collaboration of Transocean regulatory constituents, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry’s Offshore Team, and DNV.
Cosmin Bozenovici, Vice President, Technical – Offshore and Head of the RMI Registry’s Offshore Team describes the unique qualities of the rig that define it as eighth generation:
“Three key features stand out about DEEPWATER ATLAS. First, it will be outfitted to accommodate a 20,000-psi blowout preventer (BOP). Second, the hookload of the derrick is three million pounds, and third, the rig uses a hybrid power energy storage system. This is next-level advancement in capacity, which will enable the rig to drill 20,000-psi ultra-deepwater wells.”
DEEPWATER ATLAS and its sister vessel, DEEPWATER TITAN, are the only two rigs in the world that will be outfitted to these specifications, allowing operation at a water depth of 12,000 feet and drilling to depths of 40,000 feet once 20,000 psi BOPs are installed. With a hybrid power system, both rigs will operate with lower emission levels and are capable of energy storage. DEEPWATER TITAN is expected to enter the market in 2023.
“Innovation and technological advancement made these units possible, and collaboration and a willingness to view challenges as opportunities resulted in the successful delivery of the DEEPWATER ATLAS with the DEEPWATER TITAN soon to follow,” said Bozenovici, who credits the coordination between owner, flag State, and Classification Society as an important aspect of making these vessels a reality. “Built with energy efficiency and enhanced capacity in mind, these units epitomize the new standard for the offshore industry.”
With extensive offshore experience and knowledgeable offshore technical team members located around the world, the RMI Registry is a flag of choice for mobile offshore units.
