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Saudi shipyard IMI selects new rig designSaudi shipyard IMI selects new rig design

New Saudi mega-shipyard International Maritime Industries (IMI) and Saudi Aramco Rowan Offshore Drilling Co (ARO Drilling) have selected a new design for their newbuilding programme.

Marcus Hand, Editor

March 13, 2018

1 Min Read
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The LJ43 rig design was developed in collaboration with GustoMSC and Lamprell. A commitment has been made for IMI to build 20 rigs newbuilds over the next 10 years for ARO Drilling.

“The LJ43 enables highly efficient drilling through new technology, including the X-Y cantilever which has a new innovative blowout preventer handling system

and enhanced skidding capabilities,” said Kelly McHenry, ceo of ARO Drilling.

Fathi K. Al-Saleem, IMI ceo said: “The long-term partnership we have in place will enable ARO Drilling to realize a more attractive return on investment and competitive lifecycle costs from our localized supply chain ecosystem and cutting-edge technology.”

Engineering, procurement and construction of the first rig is expected to begin in July 2018.

The majority of IMI operations are expected to start in 2019 with the yard reaching full production capacity by 2022. The shipyard is a joint venture between Saudi Aramco, Lamprell, Bahri and Hyundai Heavy Industries.

ARO Drilling is a 50 – 50 joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Rowan Industries.

Read more about:

Saudi ArabiaSaudi Aramco

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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