GSP Atlas is a four legged jack-up rig

Jackup rig

A jack-up rig is a type of mobile platform that is able to stand still on the sea floor, resting on a number of supporting legs. The most popular designs use 3 independent legs, although some jackups have 4 legs or more...

, cantilever

Cantilever

A cantilever is a beam anchored at only one end. The beam carries the load to the support where it is resisted by moment and shear stress. Cantilever construction allows for overhanging structures without external bracing. Cantilevers can also be constructed with trusses or slabs.This is in...

 type with self elevating unit operated by Grup Servicii Petroliere. The drilling unit is registered in Malta

Malta

Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in...

.

Description

GSP Atlas drilling rig was designed by Sonnat Offshore and was built in the Galaţi Shipyard

Port of Galati

The Port of Galaţi is the largest Romanian river port. Located in the city of Galaţi on the Danube river, the port is an important source of revenue for the city because many large international companies have established there....

 in 1987. The rig was upgraded in 2007.

GSP Atlas has a length of 52.42 metres (172 ft), breadth of 40.8 metres (133.9 ft), depth of 6.4 metres (21 ft) and draft of 9.75 metres (32 ft), . It has a maximum drilling depth of 7620 metres (25,000 ft) and it can at a water depth of 91 metres (298.6 ft). As a drilling rig, GSP Atlas is equipped with advanced drilling equipment and has to meet strict levels of certification under international law. GSP Atlas is able to maneuver with its own engine

Engine

An engine or motor is a machine designed to convert energy into useful mechanical motion. Heat engines, including internal combustion engines and external combustion engines burn a fuel to create heat which is then used to create motion...

s (to counter drift

Drift

- Film and literature :* Drift , a 2002 Doctor Who novel* Drift , a series of Japanese films written and directed by Futoshi Jinno* Drift, 2007 experimental short film by Max Hattler* Drift , a fictional character...

 and ocean currents), but for long-distance relocation it must be moved by specialist tugboat

Tugboat

A tugboat is a boat that maneuvers vessels by pushing or towing them. Tugs move vessels that either should not move themselves, such as ships in a crowded harbor or a narrow canal,or those that cannot move by themselves, such as barges, disabled ships, or oil platforms. Tugboats are powerful for...

s. The rig is capable of withstanding severe sea conditions including 12 metres (39.4 ft) waves.

External links

• Official website