Drilling Vessels For Deepwater Exploration

This paper will present a new design of deep sea exploration utilizing synthetic composites. These materials can replace the basic steel structures, while also reducing the weight of the vessel and allowing for superior seakeeping abilities. The historical evolution of the offshore drilling rig and the advantages of the synthetic materials in the construction of standard drilling vessels will be studied. The design of an advanced deepwater drilling vessel is discussed showing the areas in which synthetic composites may be implemented.