31 March, 2016 by Juan Carlos Díaz Lorenzo

"Ocean Rig Apollo", victim of the oil crisis

For the first time in the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the drilling vessel "Ocean Rig Apollo", one of the most modern in the world in its class, is seen in an image by Captain Manuel Figueroa García. The presence of this vessel, which is presumed to be long-term, is due to the cancellation of the contract it had with the French oil company Total in the waters of Congo. In the meantime, there is a claim for $62.9 million in compensation.

The oil exploration business is going through a difficult situation. The drop in crude oil prices has led to the mooring of many platforms and vessels in the offshore industry, several examples of which can be found in the Canary ports. Currently, both Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria provide docking, repairs, and maintenance to a considerable number of units, and it is expected that their number will increase if there is space for them.

Owned by Ocean Rig, it belongs to the seventh generation of its specialty, a model called SAIPEM 10000, built at the Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard (South Korea) and in service since January 2015. The drilling tower can operate at a maximum depth of 3,650 meters. It incorporates the latest technology in dynamic positioning and other equipment. It measures 228 m in length and 42 m in width. It is powered by a Wärtsila-ABB diesel-electric system, with a total power of 85,740 kW, driving six azipods and maintaining a speed of 12 knots. It has accommodation for 215 crew members. IMO Code 9676981.