2010 Byford Dolphin

Byford Dolphin arrived at the Westcon yard on the 17th October and is expected to complete her yard stay at the end of January 2010.  Byford was built in 1974 as an Aker H3 rig and classified as a 1A1 Column Stabilized Drilling Unit.  After many years good service, mainly in the British section of the North Sea, a SPS is to be performed and major upgrade work before Byford goes into operation for BP.

The scope of work is extensive and affected all systems on the rig. To ensure the rig was structurally sound a Structural Inspection and Maintenance Programme (SIMP) was performed to identify possible fatigue and wear, and make repairs as necessary to ensure the rig was in good condition for further drilling work.

Simultaneously with the SIMP programme various other major repair and maintenance work was performed including the overhaul of the anchor winches, gypsies and fairleads.  Two new cranes and a variety of BP equipment were installed.  New chains were installed and others inspected, as were lifeboats and lifeboat stations.  Extensive improvements were made to the accommodation, surface treatment was performed in many areas and the electrical system was upgraded.  The last mentioned job involved the black out of the rig and therefore detailed planning was required to be able to complete all the tasks without conflict and on schedule.