Alternative Operation Scheme for a Jackup Drilling Rig to Meet Target Soil Bearing Pressure Requirements

Abstract

The goal is to define conditions under which a GustoMSC CJ46-X100-D jackup rig designed for unrestricted service can be rated for full operational drilling capabilities in areas with a relatively weak soil top layer and a more benign environment. The GustoMSC CJ46-X100-D jackup rig is designed with environmental criteria derived from the southern North Sea and a bearing pressure of 53.5 MT/m2 (10.96 ksf); however, the maximum soil bearing pressure in some areas of the Arabian Gulf and elsewhere cannot exceed 41.5 MT/m2 (8.5 ksf).