UNDERWATER DRILLING RIG ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE UNDERWATER DRILLING RIG ASSEMBLY

摘要

An underwater drilling rig assembly includes a hull anchored to a sea floor with at least one anchoring component. Also included is a rig assembly disposed on the hull. Further included is a mast unit of the rig assembly. Yet further included is a pipe handling unit configured to maneuver a drill pipe into operative communication with the mast unit. Also included is a drill bit assembly operatively coupled to the mast unit. Further included is a control unit positioned proximate the sea floor and in operative communication with a plurality of components of the underwater drilling rig assembly, the control unit operatively coupled to at least one surface vessel for remote control of the underwater drilling rig assembly.

主权项

1. A method of operating an underwater drilling rig assembly comprising:
lowering a hull with a rig assembly disposed thereon to a water depth proximate the sea floor; leveling the hull with a plurality of legs extending from the hull and supported by the sea floor; and operatively coupling a control unit of the rig assembly to a surface vessel, the control unit in operative communication with a plurality of components of the underwater drilling rig assembly, the control unit configured to facilitate remote control of the underwater drilling rig assembly with the surface vessel.