VALARIS MS-1

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Rig went adrift in cyclone

The "Atwood Osprey" snapped several of its 12 mooring lines in the evening of Mar 12, 2015, about 180 km north-west of Dampier during wild weather caused by the cyclone Olwyn. The crew was evacuated and the rig ballasted down in line with standard pre-cyclone demobilisation procedures. The rig was on location to complete the Iago 1B well but had been disconnected as part of the demobilisation. As the fallout from the drifting drill rig contracted to Chevron has spread to the "Pluto" of Woodside Petroleum which has shut down its production. The measure was precautionary and temporary while the drifting semi-submersible drill rig "Atwood Osprey" was secured away from the infrastructure. The rig had drifted about three nautical miles, dragging its mooring lines and anchors with it. Underwater inspections of the "Pluto" flowlines were carried out, and production was due to restartwhen the rig has been relocated away from the "Pluto" infrastructure. Chevron and Osprey owner Atwood Oceanics were assessing the extent of damage to the rig and to Wheatstone infrastructure. The "Atwood Osprey" was stabilized with a support vessel in position. Though there seemed to be only minimal damage to the rig, repairs were expected to take up to 30 days. T Chevron and Atwood sent work boats to the "Atwood Osprey" and were working with Woodside to move the rig to a secure location.