MODU Definitions
Rig Types
Jackup
o Jackups are mobile, self-elevating drilling platforms that are
equipped with moveable legs. Jackups are towed to a
drilling site by tug boats before the unit lowers its legs to
the seabed and then jacks up the hull to elevate it above
the sea level, after which drilling operations can begin. The
units are used exclusively for shallow water exploration and
production drilling
Semi-submersible
o A semi-submersible drilling rig is a floating drilling rig that is
capable of working in water depths ranging from shallow
through to ultra-deepwater. Semi-submersibles use a
number of pontoons that are submerged beneath the water
line to float and remain stable in a single location. The deck
is positioned above the water line and sits on top of a
number of columns that connect the hull to the submerged
pontoons. Semi-submersibles offer an increased level of
stability whilst drilling in comparison to drillships and are
thus preferred for drilling in harsh environment regions
Drillships
o A drillship is ship-shaped vessel that has been equipped for
drilling operations. The unit can be utilised for drilling
operations in midwater to ultra-deepwater areas and are
generally preferred for exploration drilling as the assets are
self-propelled. Drillships are kept on station using dynamic
positioning systems
Tender assist drilling units (Tender/Semi-Tender)
o Tender assist drilling units (TADs) allow drilling operations
to be carried out on a fixed platform without the need for a
permanent drilling package on the platform. The TAD is
stationed next to the platform and its drilling package is
lifted onto the platform. The TAD remains in place in order
to provide power and other services that support the drilling
operation. There are two different types of TADs, a tender
rig and semi-tender, both units carry the same equipment
but the semi-tender is capable of operating in deeper
waters and harsher environments
Rig Generations
7 basic generations determined by delivery year and water depth
characteristics
Semi-submersible rig generations:
1st Generation
o Unit constructed from 1961 – 1972. Max water depth is N/A
2nd Generation
o Unit constructed from 1973 – 1979. Max water depth is N/A
3rd Generation
o Unit constructed from 1980 – 1985. Max water depth is N/A
4th Generation
o Unit constructed from 1986 – 1997. Max water depth is N/A
5th Generation
o Unit constructed from 1998 – 2004. Max water depth is N/A
6th Generation
o Unit constructed from 2005 onwards. Max water depth is
10,000ft
7th Generation
o Unit constructed from 2015 onwards. Max water depth is
o 12,000ft
Drillship rig generations:
1st Generation
o Unit constructed from 1961 – 1970. Water depth is N/A
2nd Generation
o Unit constructed from 1971 – 1979. Water depth is N/A
3rd Generation
o Unit constructed from 1980 – 1985. Water depth is N/A
4th Generation
o Unit constructed from 1986 – 1997. Water depth is N/A
5th Generation
o Unit constructed from 1998 – 2005. Water depth is N/A
6th Generation
o Unit constructed from 2006 onwards. Max water depth is
10,000ft
7th Generation
o Unit constructed from 2010 onwards. Max water depth is
12,000ft
Jackup rig types
Four jackup type categories
High Specification
o Water depth is 400ft+, with a hookload capacity of over
2,000kips
Premium
o Water depth is 350ft+, with a hookload capacity from 0 –
1,999kips
Standard
o Water depth is less than 350ft
Mat Cantilever/Slot
o Any jackup that does not have an Independent Leg
Cantilever (ILC) sub-type
Sub type definitions
Floating rigs
o Midwater
o Deepwater
o Ultra-deepwater
Jackups
o Independent Leg Cantilever
o Independent Leg Slot
o Mat Cantilever
o Mat Slot
o Cantilever
Floating rig water depths
Midwater
o 4,000ft or less
Deepwater
o 4,001- 7,499ft
Ultra-deepwater
o 7,500ft and greater