Parker Drilling Co. has received the newest member of the Parker international drilling fleet, drilling barge rig #75. Built by
Oil Barges, Inc., the shallow water drilling rig will commence drilling operations in mid-August.
The rig has a 25,000 ft., drilling depth rating with an SCR drive system. All drilling and mud processing equipment is installed on a multi-level barge measuring 240 ft. long and 70 ft. wide. The barge also includes an 82-person accommodation facility.
Other innovative design features include a draft of less than 8.5 ft., permiting reduced dredging costs; a 50 ft. (clear height) substructure, permitting simultaneous drilling and workover operations; a skiddable
substructure that will provide access to six potential wells without repositioning the barge; and the ability to drill all six wells without raising/lowering the derrick or laying down drill pipe.