>> If you have not received the current maritime edition, and would like a subscription please Click Here to subscribe now.
- NOAA's New Hurricane Wind Scale
- MITAGS Announcements
- MarEx January/February Edition is on the Street!
- Obama’s “State of the Union” Speech: Trying to Recapture ...
- Maritime Budgets Struggle as Obama Administration Tackles the Budget Deficit
- Paris and Tokyo MOUs Call Lifeboat Safety Too Lax
- Virtual Learning Through Webinars
- Are We Using Proper Safety Precautions Off Somalia?
- $80 Oil On The Way to $100 By Early 2010
- MarEx LinkedIn Discussion Group Reaches 6,071+ Maritime Professionals - and ...
- Virtual Learning Through Webinars
- Obama’s “State of the Union” Speech: Trying to Recapture ...
- MarEx Mailbag:
- Thursday Morning Quarterback: Rethinking the Panama Canal Expansion
- MarEx Podcast:
PressReleases 
Articles YRS’ SUCCESSFUL LOAD-OUT OF WILPIONEER’S LOWER HULL
Thursday, October 9th, 2008
Singapore, 08 October 2008 – Yantai Raffles Shipyard Limited (“YRS”) successfully executed the load-out operation for the first of Awilco Offshore’s three semi-submersible drilling rigs which are under construction at the YRS shipyard in Yantai, Shandong Province on 27th September 2008.
The lower hull of the Wilpioneer was successfully loaded out onto a floating barge by means of an unprecedented combination of the Gripper Jack System with the shipyard’s existing Roller Skidding Method. The hull was subsequently floated off inthe dredging area and tugged into the dry dock on 29th September 2008.
Mr Cho Yong Jin, Chief Executive Officer of YRS, said, “The Wilpioneer is the first semi-submersible being built in our shipyard and our adoption of the system has enabled us to execute the load-out the with greater efficiency, lower cost and improved safety. This unique combination system can load structures of up to 40,000 tonnes, which is about three times the weight that other yards can load out
using a Gripper Jack System of similar size. We intend to continue to implement this system for future projects.”
The Wilpioneer, fully equipped for year round operation in harsh environments, is a GM4000 design rig, with a dynamic positioning system, accommodation unit and ballasting system designed to support duties such as intervention and drilling in water depths of up to 2500ft.
About Yantai Raffles Shipyard Limited
Yantai Raffles Shipyard Limited is the largest rig builder in China, with significant expertise and know-how in the construction of various marine and offshore projects which include jack-up drilling rigs, semi-submersible drilling rigs, floating production storage and offloading vessels, heavy lift vessels, pipe lay vessels and other prototype vessels. Both innovative and scalable, Yantai Raffles is supported by a highly- skilled engineering force, cutting-edge facilities and superior technology.
Since May 2006, Yantai Raffles has been trading on the Oslo OTC system under the stock symbol YRSL.NO About Awilco Offshore ASA
Awilco Offshore ASA is an international offshore drilling contractor owning and operating six jack-up drilling rigs and two accommodation units. Another two jack-up drilling rigs and three semi submersible drilling rigs are under construction. The company also holds options for the construction of two semi submersible drilling rigs. China Oilfield Services Ltd. has recently acquired 99% of Awilco Offshore.
Contact Information:
Corporate Communications Department
Telephone : (65) 6735 9328
Fax : (65) 6734 5449
Email : ir@yantai-raffles.com
Please visit us at www.yantai-raffles.com
