Astrakhan shipbuilder launches yet another jack-up rig (photo)

Astrakhan based shipyard, the Astrakhan Shipbuilding Production Association (ASPO, part of Caspian Energy Group) on April 6, held a launching of jackup drilling rig "Mercury", the Professional Union of Astrakhan shipbuilders and repairers said in its news release.

The jack-up rig's blocks were assembled at a Transport & Installation Barge (TIB) "Margon" and then launched from the vessel.

The operation was planned and carried out by Crane Marine Contractor, a service division of the Group.

This is the second jack-up built at the Caspian Energy yards. The first jack-up rig "Neptune" was built in November 2013.

The project is implemented by Caspian Energy Projects LLC. in conjunction with Lamprell Energy LTD.

The rig "Mercury" will be deployed in the Caspian Sea.

Main specifications: weight - 6200 tonnes, dimensions – 70x75 meters, depth 7.9 m, rig's legs height - 145 m, full load displacement – approx. 11,000 tonnes, drilling to a depth of more than 9 km.