On September 18, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd (DSIC) signed a newbuilding contract for the construction of 1+3 drilling ships with Norwegian drilling and submarine equipment contractor Norshore.
The small and multi-purpose drilling ships are able to work in a water depth of 3000 meters and capable of drilling to 10,000 meters deep. The ships feature high degree of automation and system integration and require excellent construction management and control.
2011 has witnessed booming orders for drilling ships through the whole year. However Korean shipbuilders almost swept all of the orders. DSIC are one of the few Chinese yards capable of building drilling ships for most builders lack required capability and experience.