Maersk Developer Launched - Enroute To Gulf of Mexico

Maersk Drilling has taken delivery of the first in a series of three semi-submersible drilling rigs from Keppel Fels Singapore. The rig is named Maersk Developer and is flying the Danish flag. It is fixed for three years by Statoil’s Gulf of Mexico division for drilling off the Mexican coast. Maersk Developer will leave Singapore shortly under its own power for the voyage to the Gulf of Mexico via Cape of Good Hope. The rig is propelled by eight thrusters supplied by a power pack with an output of 51,000 hp. However, during the voyage the rig will be escorted by the Chinese flagged ocean going tug De Zhou. A pit stop is planned to take place at Saldanha Bay in South Africa, where De Zhou will act as bunkering vessel before the voyage continues into the South Atlantic.

Danish flag eh! Sounds to me that they got themselves a manning waiver!

John…tell me, what have you heard?

The MAERSK DEVELOPER is currently moving up the South Atlantic and right at this moment (22:48z) is off St. Helena Island making a speed of 8.6kts. Seen from my AIS Station, the Islands only one!!!

Bruce
Ham Radio Operator - ZD7VC

Maersk Drilling has taken delivery of the first in a series of three semi-submersible drilling rigs from Keppel Fels Singapore. The rig is named Maersk Developer and is flying the Danish flag. It is fixed for three years by Statoil’s Gulf of Mexico division for drilling off the Mexican coast. Maersk Developer will leave Singapore shortly under its own power for the voyage to the Gulf of Mexico via Cape of Good Hope. The rig is propelled by eight thrusters supplied by a power pack with an output of 51,000 hp. However, during the voyage the rig will be escorted by the Chinese flagged ocean going tug De Zhou. A pit stop is planned to take place at Saldanha Bay in South Africa, where De Zhou will act as bunkering vessel before the voyage continues into the South Atlantic.[/quote]