”The design of the new rigs includes the efficiency features recently introduced on the ultra-harsh environment rigs Maersk Innovator and Maerks Inspirer, which are the largest and most advanced jack-up rigs in the world,” said the company

It said as a result the drilling performance will be increased by 20% compared to that of conventional jack-up rigs. The highly efficient drilling equipment will make the rig well qualified for drilling deep and difficult wells, including high temperature / high pressure wells.

The innovative features include the positioning of the accommodation blocks around the forward leg which more than doubles the available deck space and increases the load capacity considerably. The rigs will also be equipped with the so-called XY cantilever which dramatically increases the number of wells which can be drilled from one location. Furthermore, the rigs will be prepared for zero discharge operation and drill cuttings re-injection. A total of 120 people can be accommodated on board.

The rigs are designed to work at water depths up to 350 ft (107 m) in areas such as Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Latin America and West Africa. In the harsh environment of the central and southern parts of the North Sea, the rigs will be able to operate at 300 ft (91.5 m).

"With their increased efficiency, high capacities and extensive mechanisation the new rigs will represent a significant improvement from conventional drilling rigs. We have also put great emphasis on further improving the safety and the working environment on the new rigs," said Claus Hemmingsen, CEO of Maersk Contractors.