Lamprell ticks off load-out and float-off for first of two jack-up rigs built for Saudi yard

UAE-based offshore contractor Lamprell and the largest maritime yard in the MENA region, International Maritime Industries (IMI), have completed and crossed off their list load-out and float-off operations for the first of two jack-up rigs, which are being constructed for this Saudi yard.  

Following a letter of intent from December 2018, Lamprell secured a formal order to build two newbuild jack-up rigs in January 2020 for International Maritime Industries, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco, Lamprell, Bahri, and Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Back in October 2021, Lamprell secured funding for the continuation of the construction of these two rigs. Later that same month, the UEA player inked a $45 million revolving trade loan facility with two banks to cover the costs for the building of these two jack-ups.

In an update on Tuesday, Lamprell announced the successful completion of the load-out and float-off of the first jack-up drilling unit being constructed for IMI, explaining that the rig would undergo intensive mechanical completion and commissioning before being transferred to IMI’s yard in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia, for final commissioning before being deployed locally.

Christopher McDonald, CEO of Lamprell said, commented: “We’ve had excellent team collaboration in getting this first rig delivered to the highest standards of safety and quality. We have also welcomed many Saudi nationals during the course of the project as part of supporting the capacity building for IMI’s capabilities. The maritime yard in Saudi Arabia is a significant part of the country’s economic ambition and we are honoured to be playing a role in its realisation.”

Lamprell and IMI started collaborating in January 2020 to build these two new rigs, the second of which is scheduled to be completed several months after the delivery of the first. According to the UAE contractor, the design of the two rigs is based on the Super 116E (enhanced) class and features high specification offshore drilling technology, as well as accommodation for up to 120 people.

Dr. Abdullah Al Ahmari, President and CEO of IMI, remarked: “In addition to providing IMI with two state-of-the-art drilling units, the project has enabled our employees and the company to acquire valuable industry knowledge and skills, while increasing our construction capacity. Once completed, the two drilling rigs will boost IMI’s contribution to the long-term growth of Saudi Arabia’s maritime industry, and we look forward to collaborating further with Lamprell for the remainder of the project and beyond.”