Pacific Drilling takes delivery of ultra-deepwater drillship

Offshore staff

LUXEMBOURG – Pacific Drilling SA has taken delivery of the drillship Pacific Santa Ana. The vessel can operate in water depth to 12,000 ft (3,658 m) and can drill wells to 40,000 ft (12,192 m).

Other features include dual load path capability and dual gradient drilling upgrades.

“This drillship incorporates the newest advances in offshore drilling technology and is the first ultra-deepwater rig equipped for dual gradient drilling, an innovation that is expected to provide significant benefits in drilling safety and efficiency,” said Chris Beckett Pacific Drilling CEO.

The company has two more drillships on order at Samsung for delivery in 2013.

12/22/2011