News
The Lower Hull of SSFDR (NB 106) left the quay of Vyborg Shipyard JSC
On May 2, 2010 there were started preparatory works on transportation of the Polar Star semi-submersible floating drilling rig to South Korea for further integration of Topside and Lower Hull.
Transportation started on the 3rd of May and it included several stages. The SSFDR Lower Hull was towed out by three powered tugs from the berthing quay of VSY to the place of loading on the deck of a special semi-submersible transportation vessel "Talisman". Works on loading and sea-fastening of Lower Hull was carried out by the Dutch company. This loading operation is unique as firstly the cargo deck of "Talisman" was submerged to 9 metres depth and then Lower Hull of SSFDR was loaded on the submerged deck by means of three tugs. Upon completion of this operation the vessel emerged with Lower Hull onboard. Then there was executed sea-fastening operation of SSFDR Lower Hull to the vessel cargo deck by means of special steel structures welded to the vessel deck and Lower Hull. These works were carried out to avoid displacement during transportation.
Transportation of the vessel with Lower Hull onboard is planned for May, 5. The transportation route will pass through the Baltic sea, the North Sea, further along the coast of Europe along English Channel, the bay of Biscay sailing through Gibraltar, the Mediterranean sea, Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The expected arrival date of the vessel with SSFDR to South Korea is on June 23-25, 2010.