Two LeTourneau Super 116E-PB Class Jack-Ups to be Delivered to Petrobras in Late 2011, Early 2012

 
 
Houston, Texas – December 29, 2010

As previously announced, LeTourneau Technologies, Inc. (LeTourneau) is supplying Consórcio Rio Paraguaçu (CRP) the design, leg components, elevating system, critical hull components, and drilling systems for two new high-specification jack-up drilling units based on the proven Super 116E Class design. The rigs are under construction at the shipyard in Sao Joao do Paraguacu, Bahia, Brazil and will be delivered to CRP's customer, Petrobras Netherlands B.V. (Petrobras) in late 2011 and early 2012.

Based on the Petrobras technical specifications, LeTourneau and CRP have collaborated to improve the drilling performance of the LeTourneau Super 116E drilling platform. The resulting design class, named the Super 116E-PB, has expanded the capabilities of the Super 116E to new levels. "Petrobras sets the bar high, and it has been exciting to see how CRP and LeTourneau have risen to the challenge," said Pharr Smith, Senior Vice President and General Manager of LeTourneau's Drilling Products group. "Our combined teamwork and ingenuity have resulted in a design that has the high equipment payload required by the Petrobras specification while maintaining excellent cantilever capacity and variable load."

Included in the enhancements are structural modifications to accommodate a full suite of LeTourneau drilling equipment, while maximizing both cantilevered drilling load and variable deck load. The rig's high-capacity drilling package features a 35 ft x 35 ft offset derrick with a clear working height of 170 feet and a 1000-kip setback capacity. Automated tubular handling is accomplished by the combination of a catwalk machine, a horizontal-to-vertical (HTV) arm, and a bridge racker system. LeTourneau is also providing complete dual-chair driller's cabins and automation integration for the rigs, and all electrical systems are designed to meet IEC requirements for arc-flash hazard mitigation and short-circuit withstand ratings.

LeTourneau Technologies designs, builds, and supports worldwide manufacturing of drilling and mining equipment. We strive to deliver our products, projects, and services to meet and exceed our customer's expectations in our commitment to be on spec, on-time, and within budget.