Island Drilling rig makes a stop at shipyard in Las Palmas

Spain-based shipping agency and logistics operator Canarship has confirmed the arrival of a semi-submersible rig in the Port of Las Palmas. This rig, owned by Norway’s Island Drilling, an offshore drilling contractor, will spend a few days at Zamakona Yards, Spain’s shipbuilding and ship repair group.

According to Canarship, the Island Innovator rig came to Spanish waters for repair work at Zamakona Yards. The shipping agency is part of the project, enabling the rig to stay 10 to 20 at the shipyard.

“We are responsible for supplying everything needed, managing crew changes, and providing support to the collaborating companies on board. It’s a team effort that truly tests our expertise in maritime logistics,” outlined Canarship.

The Spanish shipping agency claims that the Island Innovator rig, designed for offshore drilling even in extreme conditions and capable of operating at depths of up to 1,500 meters, is equipped with advanced technology to improve efficiency and safety in operations.

The Island Innovator rig is a sixth-generation semi-submersible drilling, well intervention, and completion unit of GM4000 WI enhanced design. The 2012-built semi-sub recently completed its plug and abandonment (P&A) campaign for Tullow Oil off the coast of Mauritania, Africa.

The rig’s assignment revolved around the Banda and Tiof fields, with the scope of work covering the abandonment of suspended subsea exploration and appraisal wells, alongside various seabed cleanup activities.

Many rigs have recently visited Las Palmas, including one of Dolphin Drilling’s semi-submersibles, which went to Astilleros Canarios (Astican) in June 2024 before the start-up of its assignment in the UK.