CP-NOC-059 - Rev03 Rig Move Procedure

LEVEL 2 – COMPANY PROCESS
CP-NOC-059
Rig Move Procedure
03 12/2019 Correction of errors in Rev 2

02 07/2019 Update on punch-through assessments and pre-loading
01 07/2018 Minor changes and reference to Inter-field guidelines
00 07/2017 First Release
Rev. Date Purpose of the revision
Owning entity: OPS/DW Other approving entities: Nil
This document is proprietary to North Oil Company and contains confidential information which may not be reproduced, stored, disclosed or transmitted to any
third party, without the prior written consent of North Oil Company.
The information contained in this document does not substitute for the laws and regulations applicable in Qatar.
Printed versions of this document are uncontrolled, check CMS for latest version.
LEVEL 2 – COMPANY PROCESS CP-NOC-059
Rig Move Procedure
Rev.: 03 Effective date: 12/2019 Page: 2 of 139
Revision Notes
Rev.: Date: Revision Description

03 11/2019 This Rev 3 is an error corrected version of Rev 2.
Background: The correct Rev 1 master file was not used as basis for Rev 2 -
hence an error corrected version is required to ensure that no uncontrolled
changes are introduced.
Remarks:
Rig Move Procedure
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................7
2. OBJECTIVE............................................................................................................... 9
3. SCOPE.......................................................................................................................9
4. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS..................................................................................... 9
5. TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS....................................................... 12

5.1 Terms............................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Abbreviations & Acronyms............................................................................................... 12
6. RIG SELECTION..................................................................................................... 14
7. RIG MOVE PROCESS / PROCEDURE...................................................................16
8. SITE SURVEYS AND DATA ACQUISITION............................................................17

8.1 Offshore Geotechnical Soil Survey.................................................................................. 17
8.2 Offshore Geophysical Survey.......................................................................................... 18
8.3 Geophysical Debris Survey..............................................................................................18
8.4 Meteorological and Oceanographic Survey..................................................................... 19
8.5 Shipping Movements and Shipping Traffic Study............................................................ 19
9. SITE APPROVAL.....................................................................................................20
9.1 Precautions Jack-Up Specific.......................................................................................... 20
9.2 Rig Positioning at Platform...............................................................................................23
9.3 Data Interpretation........................................................................................................... 25
10. RIG MOVE COORDINATION.................................................................................. 36

10.1 Rig Move Meeting............................................................................................................ 36
10.2 Rig Move Procedure........................................................................................................ 37
10.3 Vessel Selection...............................................................................................................37
10.4 Equipment Required........................................................................................................ 37
10.5 Preload Plan.................................................................................................................... 39
10.6 Roles and Responsibilities of Key Personnel.................................................................. 40
11. SIMOPS................................................................................................................... 45
Rig Move Procedure
11.1 SIMOPS and E&C Tie-In Site Survey.............................................................................. 45

11.2 SIMOPS Job Safety Analysis (JSA) For Entire Move...................................................... 45
11.3 Site Specific SIMOPS Document.....................................................................................46
11.4 Al Shaheen Drilling & Production SIMOPS Matrix........................................................... 46
12. RIG MOVE............................................................................................................... 48

12.1 Moving Off Platform......................................................................................................... 48
12.2 Moving Through the Field (Transit).................................................................................. 51
12.3 Moving onto Stand-Off Location...................................................................................... 52
12.4 Moving On Platform......................................................................................................... 52
12.5 Deviations to Operations/RMP.........................................................................................54
13. AL SHAHEEN / GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................... 55

13.1 Safety Zones....................................................................................................................55
13.2 Wellhead Platforms AS-D-A, AS-F-A, AS-H-A and AS-I-A............................................... 55
13.3 Wellhead Platforms SA-D-A and SA-F-A......................................................................... 56
13.4 Wellhead Platform IA....................................................................................................... 56
13.5 Wellhead Platforms AS-B-A and AS-C-A......................................................................... 57
13.6 Wellhead Locations Details..............................................................................................57
14. LESSONS LEARNED..............................................................................................59
15. APPENDICES.......................................................................................................... 60
15.1 APPENDIX A: Rig Move Checklist Summary.................................................................. 60
15.2 APPENDIX B: Rig Move Checklist Preload..................................................................... 78
15.3 APPENDIX C: Rig Move Minutes of Meeting...................................................................80
15.4 APPENDIX D: Spudcan Penetration Report.................................................................. 114
15.5 APPENDIX E: Rig Demobilization Checklist.................................................................. 115
15.6 APPENDIX F: Guidelines for Connecting - Disconnecting the Rig
Anchor Wire to the Soft Rope........................................................................................ 137
Rig Move Procedure
1. INTRODUCTION
The movement of mobile offshore drilling units (MODU) are potentially hazardous operations
and only with proper planning, communication and personnel competency can the risks be
minimised.
This document lays out, in a step-by-step fashion, an overview of the many factors that need to
be considered during the planning and execution phases of a rig move. While the actual rig
move operation may, depending on circumstances, only take a few days, the planning process
can take several weeks and in some cases months to implement. Long lead times may be
necessary to fully investigate the conditions of the proposed new site, to mitigate the risks, as
well as to compile procedures specific to the situation. Furthermore, the provision of support
vessel assistance; their number, type, equipment and power, should be put in place as soon as
the requirements become known.
This document deals primarily with rig moves from within the same geographical areas, known
as a ‘field tow’ where the transit phase is measured in a few hours at most. Although there are
some similarities in the planning and logistics required for ocean towages, for the likes of
mobilisation and demobilisation.
This rig move procedure, however, shall address the process specific to NOC’s operations,
some 70km North-East off the coast of Qatar, namely the North Field. The specific area is
known as the Al Shaheen field and resides in water depths in the order of 190ft. There are
almost 300 active wells from 33 platforms, 5 hubs, 3 SPM, with 2 FSO’s being used for crude
storage and tanker loading.
North Field
Rig Move Procedure
Rig Move Procedure
2. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this procedure is to ensure that all involved parties are fully prepared for
conduction rig moves. Furthermore, the same structural process is consistently followed during
the planning and execution process and that all involved parties are aware of expectations and
responsibilities.
By delegation of clear ownership of tasks and activities in this process, the aim is to ensure that
the rig move is executed safely, on time and as efficient as possible.
The overall planning and coordination of all NOC rig move operations are the responsibility of
the Drilling & Wells, with the Drilling Superintendent for the relevant rig being the focal point on
all related issues.
3. SCOPE
This Rig Move Procedure has been formulated to enable an efficient and consistent planning
process in order to execute rig moves in a safe and efficient manner.
In view of the water depth in the Al Shaheen field, the MODU of choice is the jack-up. Being
bottom supported, specific attention is warranted to ensure that such rigs are positioned and
preloaded appropriately and safely.
During the acquisition of rigs by NOC, all rig contractors shall have confirmed their suitability to
safely operate adjacent to the platforms currently in the Al Shaheen field, and this procedure is
based on that premise. Nevertheless, the scope of this procedure is to assist in the planning
and detailed analysis of all the relevant data to ensure that the rigs can indeed safely operate
under such circumstances.
This document shall include appendices to facilitate this process, including a check-list
(APPENDIX A) summarizing relevant information pertaining to the planning phase of the rig
move.
4. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
The reference documents listed below form an integral part of this document.
External Documents
Unless otherwise indicated, the applicable version of these documents, including relevant
appendices and supplements, is the latest revision published.
Rig Move Procedure
Reference Title
SNAME T&RB 5-5a Guideline for Site Specific Assessment of Mobile Jack-Up Units
T&R Bulletin 5-5 and 5-5a
MSF Marine Safety Forum Guidelines for content of Rig Move
procedures and MODU move operations
DNV-GL Transit and Positioning of Mobile Offshore Units
Geomatics Geotechnical Survey
Geomatics Geophysical Survey
Geomatics Debris Survey
Site Specific Assessment (SSA)
Punch Through Assessment (PTA) - if warranted
Survivability Survey (if applicable)
MWS Location Certificate of Approval (CoA)
Towmaster or Rig Move Procedure
Drilling Contractor
Drilling Contractor Preload Procedure
DSI Rig Move Meeting Minutes of Meeting (MoM)
DNV-GL Al Shaheen Inter-field Tow Guidelines *
*Note: The Al Shaheen Inter-field Tow Guidelines shall be specific for each rig.
Rig Move Procedure
North Oil Company (NOC) CMS Documentation

Unless otherwise indicated, the applicable version of these documents, including relevant
appendices and supplements, is the latest revision published.
Reference Title
CP-NOC-053 Drilling & Production Simultaneous Operations Procedure
SIMOPS Dossier to the above
Site-Specific SIMOPS at XX Platform
HAZID - Risk Assessments
PL-NOC-008 HSE Policy
CP-NOC-005 Emergency Response Plan and Structure
CP-NOC-014 HSE Risk Management Framework
CP-NOC-025 HSE Site Authority
CP-NOC-032 Permit to Work
CP-NOC-051 Management of Change
CP-NOC-061 Rules for Marine Operations
SD-NOC-HIH-003 MEDEVAC Plan
SD-NOC-HSE-008 Job Safety Analysis
SD-NOC-MAR-001 Marine Control
SD-NOC-DW-614 Initial Well Handover certificate
SD-NOC-DW-611 SSSV Inflow testing
SD-NOC-DW-612 Gas lift valve inflow testing
SD-NOC-SAF-010 ESD & EDP
SD-NOC-HSE-009 Personal Protective Equipment
SD-NOC-MNT-208 Shutdown Management Procedure
SD-NOC-GEO-101 Offshore Geotechnical Survey
SD-NOC-GEO-105 Technical Information Analysis Form
SD-NOC-GEO-201 Offshore Geophysical Site Investigation
SD-NOC-GEO-204 Geophysical Debris Survey
SD-NOC-GEO-207 ROV Seabed Survey
SD-NOC-GEO-504 Comprehensive evaluation of Metocean Conditions
SD-NOC-GEO-505 Monitoring of Metocean Conditions for Offshore Units
GM-NOC-MAR-005 Installation & Removal of Soft Lines for Rig Move Operations
Rig Move Procedure
5. TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Terms, abbreviations and acronyms included in this document are specific to the contents of the
same.
5.1 Terms
Shall / Must / Used to indicate that a provision is a requirement, i.e.
Will mandatory
Should Used to indicate a recommendation, not a requirement
in order to comply with this procedure
5.2 Abbreviations & Acronyms
ALAP As Low As Reasonably Practical

AHTS Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel
BE Barge Engineer
BDB Back Down Buoy
BS Breaking Strength
CoA Certificate of Approval
CPT Cone Penetration Test
DSI Drilling Superintendent (or Designate), NOC
DSV Drilling Supervisor, NOC
E&C Engineering & Construction
ESD Emergency Shut Down
F&G Fire and Gas
FSO Floating Storage and Offloading
GVA General Visual Alarm
HAA Helicopter Approach Angle
HSE-SA Health Safety & Environment -Site Authority
Health Safety & Environment -Site Authority-
HSE-SA-D
Delegate
JSA Job Safety Analysis
LAT Lowest Astronomical Tide
MAC Manual Alarm Call point
MSL Mean Sea Level
MCS Marine Control standards
MWS Marine Warranty Surveyor
MoM Minutes of Meeting
OIM Offshore Installation Manager
OSP Operational Safety Procedures
OTL Operations Technical Leader
Rig Move Procedure
PIC Person In Charge

RA Risk Assessment
RM Rig Manager, Contractor
RMP Rig Move Procedure
ROV Remote Operated (Underwater) Vehicle
RPD Rack Phase Difference
RTK Real Time Kinematic
SCSSSV Surface Controlled Sub Surface Safety Valve
SoW Scope of Work
SIMOPS Simultaneous Operations
SNAME Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
SPM Single Point Moring
SSA Site Specific Assessment
SWL Safe Working Load
TM Towmaster
T&RB Technical & Research Bulletin
Rig Move Procedure
6. RIG SELECTION
Since jack-up rigs were first developed in the 1950’s, they have been used for exploration
drilling, tender assisted drilling, production, accommodation, and work/maintenance platforms.
The precise design and construction of jack-up rigs can vary considerably between
manufacturers. The jack-up type being used by NOC is the Independent Leg Cantilever:
 Independent Leg Cantilever (IC)

Legs, fitted with spudcan footings at their base, can be operated independently of each
other. The drilling derrick is mounted on a cantilever arrangement placed between the two
aft legs. The derrick can then slide beyond the hull of the rig and be positioned above an
adjacent structure (such as a wellhead platform).
The advantage of this design is that the jack-up rig does not need to ‘straddle’ the well.
The picture below shows a BMC-400 with drilling derrick extended from the rig to a
position above BD-Platform.
As with every technology, different types of units have their operational and design limitations
and these may include such parameters as deck load-carrying limits when afloat, load carrying
capabilities when elevated, environmental limits, drilling limits, and soil (foundation) limits.
Rig Move Procedure
When considering whether a particular jack-up rig may be suitable for use in a given
circumstance, it is important to consider the following:
 Cantilever Beam - Larger cantilever beams allow rig to be positioned further from a
fixed structure, but they also result in increased wind loads and large offsets of
weight producing large reactions on the aft legs.
 Spudcan (See
right) - As the
spudcan size
increases, so the
pressure on the
seabed decreases,
resulting in lower soil
penetration. As is
evident, these are
substantial
structures and a
significant part of the
leg design. Their
diameters can be in
excess of 50ft.
 Leg Length - Longer legs permit greater water depth / penetration / air gap and are
more flexible, but they also result in larger wind loads, reduced stability and larger
inertia loads in the tow condition.
 Leg Spacing – Greater spacing between legs decreases the footing reactions during
a storm and can be of benefit should a leg slide or rapid penetration during preload
occur. Greater leg spacing requires a larger, heavier hull.
As previously stated, the rigs contracted by NOC were first screened on whether their analysis
of the Geotechnical and Geophysical data provided concluded that they could safely be
preloaded at the platforms currently in the Al Shaheen field. Another criteria was that the
maximum preload would not yield a greater spudcan bearing pressure of 8.5 kips/ft2, a value
known to have had no adverse results previously in the Al Shaheen field.
The rig types selected are:

 BMC 400 Pacific Class from PPL, Singapore
 MOD-V B-Class from Keppel FELS, Singapore
Such rigs have a displacement in the order of 20,000 MT, almost twice the value of most
previous jack-ups used in the Al Shaheen field.
In addition, they have the advantage in having a drilling envelope of 70ft x 30ft vs ca 25ft x 25ft
for the smaller rigs. This allows the rig to be positioned further from the platform and mitigates
the potential for collision with the latter, especially in a punch through.
Rig Move Procedure
7. RIG MOVE PROCESS / PROCEDURE

The below flow diagram maps the basic process detailing the respective steps required to
complete a rig move, from the initial planning stages to the arrival, positioning, preloading, and
jacking up at the new location:
Section - 7 SITE SURVEYS & DATA ACQUISITION

Geotechnical/Geophysical/Debris Surveys
SITE APPROVAL
Section - 8 Precautions/Rig Positioning
Data Interpretation/SSA-PTA
CoA/Draft RMP
RIG MOVE COORDINATION

Section - 9 Rig Move Meeting/Rig Move Procedures
Vessels/Equipment/Responsibilities
SIMOPS
Section - 10 HAZID-Risk Assessment
Site Specific SIMOPS
RIG MOVE
Section - 11 Move-Off/Transit/Move-On
Position/Quality/Preload/Jack-up
The rig move preparation is a multi-discipline activity involving the Rig Contractor, Marine
Logistics, Field Operations, E&C (Engineering & Construction), GSR (for NOC Geomatics Team)
and Drilling & Wells, and is detailed further herein.
Rig Move Procedure
8. SITE SURVEYS AND DATA ACQUISITION

Prior to a unit being moved to a new location, it is necessary for a robust site survey and
approval process to be carried out. Accepted “industry practice” is to consider each and every
drilling location on its own merits and to design the site survey accordingly. Depending on
whether the intended location has not been surveyed before, or if the existing information is not
considered as current, the process may require more than one type of survey to acquire all the
information needed to fully plan a drilling campaign safely.
In the broadest sense, a prospective drilling location should be considered from a number of
perspectives in terms of site surveys. These include geotechnical soil surveys to determine the
characteristics and properties of the seabed at a proposed location; geophysical surveys to
assess seabed and sub-seabed features; debris surveys to locate and chart any natural or
manmade seabed obstructions (including depressions from previous rig visits); a meteorological
survey to characterise the local climatology; and, if necessary, a vessel traffic survey to provide
density and proximity information at all proposed locations.
Minimum requirements for the conduct and expected outputs from a number of such surveys to
ensure the satisfactory and consistent quality of results. These include:
8.1 Offshore Geotechnical Soil Survey

The standards cover the requirements for the:
 Survey vessel and its onboard drilling equipment.
 Equipment and procedures for soil sampling and in-situ soil testing.
 Procedures for laboratory tests on soil samples, both onboard the vessel and onshore.
 Evaluation and processing of the data.
At the conclusion of the survey the following information should be reported as a minimum:
 Location map with geographical and grid coordinates of the position of all geotechnical
borings.
 Average water depth as measured (referenced to LAT and/or MSL) with the type of
measuring equipment used and an estimate of accuracy.
 Full description of the survey equipment and methods used.
 Description of the regional and local geological conditions.
 Final results of all laboratory tests performed both onboard the survey vessel and onshore,
including photographs of representative soil samples (with size and colour scales).
 Final results of all in-situ tests.
 All final geotechnical boring logs and CPTs, with description of the different soil layers
identified and the geotechnical parameters for each formation. The geotechnical
investigations shall include continuous sampling in a borehole within the leg pattern of the
rig; in addition continuous CPT or PCPT testing at each leg location to a final borehole
depth of 30m below seabed, or the anticipated spudcan penetration depth plus 1.5 times
the spudcan diameter, whichever is the greater.
Rig Move Procedure
Note: In 2013, geotechnical investigations were conducted at all the wellhead platform locations
and a complete data set is available consisting of CPT and Soil Bore. Nevertheless, in
connection with planned rig moves to the respective location, an early evaluation of those data
should be done in order to verify that they satisfy the requirements of SNAME, Rig Contractor,
and relevant NOC requirements.
8.2 Offshore Geophysical Survey

Final reports from the survey should present the following information:
 Chart of water depths (bathymetric map).
 Highlight any steep and / or potentially unstable slopes of 5º degrees or more.
 Irregular topography showing features and local relief (seabed feature map).
 Assessment of any obstacles to structure emplacement on the seabed.
 Define the nature of the soils (lithological map).
 Delineate active faults, modern and ancient landslides.
 Map shallow gas or gas hydrate occurrences and their horizontal extent / vertical height.
Although shallow gas is not considered to be a problem in Al Shaheen, shallow gas
surveys shall be performed on locations without known history (stand-alone locations, and
locations outside Al Shaheen).
 Recommend the safest drilling locations with respect to drilling units, sub-sea
emplacements and development structures.
8.3 Geophysical Debris Survey

Usually performed at the same time as the above referenced geophysical survey. The overall
objective of the survey is to acquire data such that a full evaluation can be made of the potential
risks affecting the placing of any structure on the seabed. Through the use of acoustic scanning,
remote videoing or magnetic anomaly detection it should be possible to locate the existence and
determine the extent of:
 Pipelines, subsea templates, cables and other oil/gas related obstructions.
 Footprints of previously installed Jack-Ups or other installations
 Natural obstructions such as coral reefs, rock outcrops, boulders, depressions and shoals,
etc.
 Man-made obstructions such as scaffolding, piping, dead weights, debris and fishing nets,
etc.
Rig Move Procedure
Debris or seabed surface surveys are typically carried out over an area 150 m x 250 m in front
of the wellhead platform, which is sufficiently sized to cover both the stand-off and final positions.
Given the area of the field, this is little benefit in providing for an intermediate stand-off location.
The debris survey usually employs an ROV for visual inspection of seabed features such as
levelling, depth and extension of old spudcan depressions and for identification of debris which
need to be removed. If used, and appropriate, the removal of debris is undertaken by the ROV
used during the survey. It is also beneficial if the vessel deploying the ROV has a deck crane
for the larger items to be recovered. The survey should include a Bathymetry scan.
The debris survey of the site is valid for a maximum period of 6 months for the rig move;
however, it should be attempted to have the survey carried out as close to the time of the rig
move as practically possible. This is particularly relevant when the rig is moving within the same
platform area e.g. side stepping, or unusual activities such as extensive construction work and
other similar activities have taken place in or near the survey area.
8.4 Meteorological and Oceanographic Survey

A survey of offshore meteorological and oceanographic conditions, known as a ‘met ocean’
survey, consists of collecting not only wind and meteorological measurements but also those of
waves, current, tide and other oceanographic parameters.
The duration of the data acquisition, the number of parameters measured and the equipment
used depend on factors such as whether the area is for long term development, the availability
of other data sources or if the survey results will be used for the verification of assumptions.
For the Al Shaheen field, such data is well documented and available, and thus should be
referenced for each rig move.
There is also access to the Storm-Geo on-line system for weather/tides.
http://customers.stormgeo.com/portal/login
Username: noc
Password: stormgeo-noc
8.5 Shipping Movements and Shipping Traffic Study

NOC shipping movements in the Al Shaheen field are controlled as follows:
 PSV movements are controlled by the Logistical Supply Base

 Subsea & Campaign by E&C
 FSO vessels by the FSO Terminal Supervisors
 Each location/platform control all vessel movements inside the 500m/1500m
exclusion/safety zones.
There exists a 500m exclusion zone around each of our facilities, with 1500m around the SPM’s.
That being said, the field is also shared with other operators that target different and deeper
production reservoirs, thus their activity must also be subject for review. To this end, there is a
weekly Field SIMOPS report that is available from the Geomatics team that highlights all the
ongoing and planned operations by all the relevant operators in the North Field.
Rig Move Procedure
9. SITE APPROVAL
9.1 Precautions Jack-Up Specific
The moving and positioning of MODUs is a complex process involving a wide range of large and
heavy equipment in an often hostile and arduous environment. With increasing experience,
many of the potential risks are becoming more widely understood, and procedures have been
developed to minimise these risks. Below are aspects that need to be considered and the
precautions that require addressed during the planning of moving a jack-up rig.
The nature of jack-up unit operation, i.e., the entire weight of the unit being supported by the
seabed, means it is essential that all risks associated with it are fully understood and
precautions put in place to minimise them. For the purposes of this document, the risks are
considered to be: punch through, footprint interaction, scour, hard seabed and seismic activity.
9.1.1 Punch Through

It is usual for a soil’s weight-bearing capacity to increase with depth. However, when surface soil
layer overlays a weaker layer, there is a rapid reduction of soil strength and when the spudcan
reaches this interface, the weaker soil can give way and the leg moves rapidly downwards.
Should punch through occur the hull rotates and the legs tilt or bend causing the hull to sway.
Punch through will continue until either the soil’s bearing capacity, or any hull buoyancy arising
from the hull entering the water, increase sufficiently to reach equilibrium.
Jack-ups of all design types can experience punch through with resulting damages to braces,
chords and jacking units. The extent of possible damage depends on the magnitude of the
punch through and, more importantly, on the actions taken before, during, and immediately after
the event. On modern rigs with better leg guide designs and a robust punch through
management system, it is possible to minimize some of the risks.
Several factors can affect the severity of the consequences of a punch through:
 Greater hull weight results in an increased amount of leg bending;
 Greater water depth increases the amount of leg bending;
 A larger air gap means it takes longer for hull buoyancy to start helping, therefore leg
bending increases;
 Greater leg spacing decreases the amount of leg bending.
Where the geotechnical survey indicates that punch through may be an issue it is possible to
lessen the potential effects by drilling a number of holes through the critical soil layer(s) to
reduce the soil strength This procedure, known as “Swiss cheesing”, then allows the legs to
reach past the critical depth at a reduced load level in a more controlled manner.
9.1.2 Foot Print Interaction

Great care must be taken when positioning a jack-up rig at a site previously occupied by
another unit because of the tendency of the spudcans of the new rig to slip into the holes or
“footprints” left on the seafloor by the previous rig. If there is an overlap of a spudcan over an
old spudcan depression hole, there is a tendency for the spudcan not to penetrate straight into
the soil but instead to slip into the old depression (path of least resistance).
Rig Move Procedure
This movement of a spudcan, without a corresponding movement of all the other spudcans in
the same direction, impose a bending moment on the legs which can be quite severe and be
sufficient to damage the legs.
Ideally, if a jack-up is required in an area where the spudcans would overlap it would be
beneficial if a unit with similarly spaced legs could be used. In reality this is likely to be difficult to
achieve and a more likely solution would be to position the rig so that the centres of its
spudcans are no closer than twice the spudcan diameters away for the edge of the holes left by
the previous rig (this is hardly the case in Al Shaheen).
If rig placement is critical, then there are two techniques which can be used to minimize the
effects of old holes. Apart from the “Swiss cheesing” mentioned above, the danger posed by old
footprints can be minimized by a technique known as “reaming” or “stomping” whereby the leg
or legs are sequentially raised and lowered into the hole left by the previous rig in an attempt to
wear away its sides This can result in elongating the hole(s) so that their centres are at the
spacing of the new unit’s legs. However, as for Swiss cheesing, these options can be extremely
time consuming, and since it takes place adjacent to the platform, the likelihood would be that
the platform would have to remain closed in for the duration.
In the Al Shaheen field, most if not all the platform have been visited by numerous rigs with
varying sized spudcans and legs spacing. In addition to the concern with adverse leg reactions,
and RPD limits being exceeded, is the issue of the rig sliding into, or out of, previous spudcan
depressions, that could result in the rig’s operating envelope failing to overlap the intended
slot(s) or well(s), and/or moving too close to the adjacent platform with the potential for making
contact. The Towmaster invariably preloads the bow leg first so as to act as an anchor before
preloading the aft legs, that are obviously closer to the platform.
9.1.3 Seabed Scour

Scour is a problem that occurs in certain locations, particularly those with a combined sandy
seabed and high bottom current. Over the time from when the jack-up was located on-site, the
high currents may erode the seabed from beneath the footing and cause the bearing pressure
to increase because of the loss of support area.
As a result of scour, and depending upon the bearing capacity of the seabed, it is possible for
increased penetration spudcan rotation or structural damage to occur to the spudcan or leg
because the spudcan may not be able to support the unit’s weight over a partial area of support.
If scour conditions are severe enough, and take place over a large area, the spudcan may slide
into the depression created. Any of these scenarios resulting from scour can be extremely
dangerous, especially as they may occur when the hull is at full air gap.
On a few locations in the Al Shaheen field seabed scour has been monitored; however, no scour
was observed.
9.1.4 Hard Seabed

In areas where the soil is extremely hard or calcareous, the penetration of the spudcan will be
minimal and so only a portion of the bottom plate will be in contact with the seabed. In these
circumstances all the environmental loads, deadweight, and operational weight of the unit will
be concentrated on only a part of the spudcan structure and so damage may result.
Rig Move Procedure
Where a hard seabed is likely to be encountered it is possible to minimize the adverse effects to
some extent by using a spudcan with an adequately reinforced tip rather than a flat bottomed
design.
9.1.5 Calcareous Soil Conditions

One aspect that is critical and relevant for the Al Shaheen field, is the fact that most if not all the
platforms are positioned where the shallow subsoil consists of a sequence of carbonate silty
sands and silty clays. The main geotechnical features of calcareous sediments are the
angularity and structural weakness of their particles, high void ratios, and variability in
cementation. In general, the engineering properties of calcareous soils are difficult to assess
due to difficulties in obtaining undisturbed samples and subsequent interpretation of soil test
results. Experience has shown that relatively large spudcan penetrations can occur in
uncemented calcareous sands, despite high laboratory frictions angles. As such, careful
interpretation of soil properties for calcareous sediments is warranted.
9.1.6 Seismic Activity

Seismic activity (earthquakes, tremors) must also be considered in certain parts of the world
which in extreme situations may induce liquefaction of sandy soils. If a particular location is
prone to seismic activity, the jack-up should be subjected to a structural analysis, based on
historical measured events in the area, to determine if it is structurally capable of withstanding
the seismic loads and corresponding dynamic effects. Earthquake tremor shave indeed been
experienced in the last few years in Qatar, thus cannot be discounted.
9.1.7 Mitigation Measures – Pre Loading

To mitigate the potential effects of some of the hazards described above, it is necessary to test
the footings before placing the jack-up into operation. A thorough test procedure will ensure the
integrity of the seabed beneath the spudcans by subjecting them to the full load expected to be
exerted during the most severe operating conditions, usually survival mode. This procedure is
known as ‘pre-loading’ and reduces the likelihood of a foundation shift or failure during operating
conditions. During preloading, the weight of the hull is increased through the introduction of
ballast water into designated tanks until the correct weight is achieved.
Preloading normally occurs with the hull just clear of the waterline in order to minimise the
effects should seabed failure occur and may be performed as single leg-by-leg preloading, or
with the unit as a whole. The drilling contractor may also have a more precautionary approach
whereby the rig is preloaded in two stages, first at max. positive draft in the water for the preload
target, then repeated to full pre-load (remaining at positive draft), depending on sea and tide
conditions; again this could be leg-by-leg or simultaneously.
The weight of the hull, deck load and preload ballast is kept as close to the geometric centre of
the legs as possible to ensure equal loading on all legs, unless a leg-by-leg approach is being
used in order to increase the maximum footing reaction of any one leg, or simply to mitigate the
consequences in the event of a punch-through. Single-leg preload is achieved by selective
ballasting of the preload tanks based on their relative position to the leg being tested.
During the preloading process, it is important not to exceed the maximum amount of ballast
taken onboard as loading beyond load limits may stress the hull.
Rig Move Procedure
The unit must maintain strict watertight integrity until pre-load is complete. Normally the lead
tug will remain connected until pre-load is complete, this is however subject to change
dependant on unit procedures and / or warranty requirements.
After the preload ballast has been pumped on board, it is held for a pre-determined period of
time and the operation cannot be considered as complete until no further settling of the legs into
the soil occurs during the holding period. The length of the pre-load holding time will depend on
the requirement of the attending Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS), and shall be stipulated in
the RMP and Preload Procedure.
After successful preloading, the water ballast is discharged and the unit can jack-up to its
predetermined operating air gap. The lead tug can be released and final leg penetration
measurements and / or seabed checks can be made
It is usual for soil information and predicted penetration curves from the site survey to already
be on board the unit to assist with preloading decision making and also so that actual leg
penetrations can be recorded and compared with predictions in real time. The latter is useful in
assessing the quality and validity of the soil assessment and will serve to improve future
calculations.
Note, most older and smaller rigs do not have the ability to jack at full preload, thus if trim
adjustment is required due to settlement, then the preload will have to be partially or totally
dumped, and this can be time consuming. Modern jack-ups tend to have this capability,
although often reluctant to utilise due to reduced jacking gear life expectancy.
9.2 Rig Positioning at Platform

Approving an intended offshore location for drilling is an often complex process that needs to
address a large number of safety-critical concerns from several stakeholders, i.e., Company and
its stakeholders, rig owners/operators, MWS and its underwriters, support vessel operators, and
of course the crews onboard.
Information developed during the site surveys described herein can be used in several ways
during the site approval process to confirm whether the proposed drilling campaign is feasible,
and above all, that it can be carried out safely. The survey results also go some way towards
determining the likely hazards that may be encountered, and in formulating mitigation measures
to reduce the risks to ALARP.
The process commences with establishing the optimal position of the rig in relation to the
intended platform. This requires the assistance of the Geomatics team, using the CAD drafting
personnel to optimally place the rig adjacent to the platform. This involves several factors,
including the following:
 Having an overview of the seabed’s bathymetry;
 Results from the debris clearance survey and removal;
 Rig approach to platform, and any obstructions therein;
 Adjacent structures, platform, pipelines etc.;
 Direction/heading of rig relative to platform;
 Proximity of rig to platform;
 Cantilever reach of the rig;
Rig Move Procedure
 Skidding envelope of the cantilever in relationship to the slots/wells that have to be

accessed on the platform;
 Potential interference with the rig or cantilever with platform structure/protrusions;
 Zonal classification drawings to ensure no clashes with the respective zones;
 Spudcan interaction from previous rig visits, and potential sliding into or out of previous
depressions – especially if the rig has the propensity to slide towards the platform;
 Rig elevation in relation to top of steel on platform;
 Rig air gap and operating constraints;
 Rig access to platform, bridge/stairs;
 Resulting helicopter approach angle (HAA) and any incursion into the required 210° zone.
This certainly comes into play when there is a rig positioned on an adjacent platform.
Invariable this will result in the helideck on one, or even both, rig(s) having to be closed.
To allow one helideck to remain operational, the approaching rig may need to amend it
heading slightly to avoid interference with the existing rig (as long as it can still reach the
intended slots/wells);
 Initial interpretation of spudcan penetration chart and potential for punch through for this
could influence the rig’s proximity to the platform;
 The minimum distance between any pipeline on the seabed and the spudcans at any
stage of the rig move operations should not be less than 1 x spudcan diameter, or twice
the predicted penetration, whichever is greater. Typical spudcan diameters for larger rigs
can be as much as 17m. If this cannot be achieved, then the pipeline may have to be
closed-in and depressurized, possibly with other control measures in place such as
real-time monitoring via ROV and / or sector scan sonar. Irrespectively of distance, the
issue of pipelines shall specifically be addressed and risk assessed, both for the stand-off
location, the final approach, and departure.
The final rig position may be the product of several iterations and is often a joint effort and
agreement between the client and the rig contractor (and it’s designated Towmaster).
Ultimately the Geomatics team will provide a set of relevant rig move drawings. These will
consist of position drawings at the platform with relative distances (with rig, rig move vessels,
mooring lines, etc. superimposed), elevation drawings, stand-off position drawings, bathymetry
drawings, surveyed area drawings, helicopter approach angle drawings, other drawings relevant
to the particular move. The Rig Move Meeting (APPENDIX C) will define the full list of relevant
drawings.
Geomatics team will also provide the scope of work and the technical specifications for the rig
positioning services, including the final position coordinates with tolerances (orientation,
longitudinal and lateral) and elevation for the rig. They shall also prepare and provide a
spreadsheet used to accurately verify the leg penetration in relation to the seabed using GPS,
as opposed to using tide tables and visually checking hull position.
Rig Move Procedure
9.3 Data Interpretation
9.3.1 Step-One: Initial Assessment of Data

Preloading is the most precarious time during a rig move, thus it is imperative that all measures
and precautions are taken to mitigate the likelihood or consequences of a punch through – an
event that has occurred in the Al Shaheen field in the past, albeit not when positioning a drilling
rig. Below are measures undertaken to ensure that all the risks have been identified and
mitigations implemented.
The Geophysical data will provide the bathymetry results, thus determining the seabed profile
and previous spudcan depressions, along with the debris survey result.
The most significant output from the Geotechnical shall be the interpretation of the CPTs and
laboratory analysis of the soil bore(s) taken. From this data, undrained shear strength soil data
and the ensuing Spudcan Penetration Curves are derived.
Such curves shall provide a guide as to the expected leg penetrations, but also the likelihood of
a punch through, or rapid penetration, during the preloading phase. In order to derive at such
assumption, the survey company will also require the relevant rig data, such as spudcan
geometry and what the maximum preload is to be applied to the spudcans. Below is a typical
chart initially generated by the geotechnical survey company using the soil data gathered, and
using their own interpretations and software.
It should be noted that spudcan penetration curves for one rig and spudcan type, so not be
compared for the same soil strength curves for a different configuration for it could be
misleading. Hence a significant aspect is indeed the spudcan geometry.
Typical Spudcan Geometry
Rig Move Procedure
Typical Spudcan Profile on a MOD-V B-Class Jack-Up
Rig Move Procedure
Spudcan Penetration Curve for a MOD-V B-Class rig at FA-Platform
Max Preload
Rig Move Procedure
9.3.2 Step-two: Detailed Assessment of Data – Site Specific Assessment

The collated data is then sent to the rig contractor, who in turn shall use the services of a
specialist soil analysis and rig placement experts (e.g. DNV-GL Noble Denton Marine Services,
or Matthews Daniel Ltd), who shall prepare a Site Specific Assessment (SSA) for the intended
rig at the designated location and rig position, and for the below given conditions.
9.3.2.1 Site Specific Assessment (SSA)

Using the said data, they shall make a Site Specific Assessment (SSA) based on:
 50-year, all year, directional environmental extremes derived in-house

 The given water depth at the planned location
 Operational air gap
 Rig heading
 The required preload to satisfy assessment requirements
 Any previous or offset data on rig placement at the location
The result should demonstrate that the rig has sufficient overturning stability, foundation bearing
and preload capacity, windward leg sliding resistance, chord and brace strength and holding
system strength, to satisfy the SNAME T&RB 5-5A criteria for all-year operations at the location
in question. Utilisation Checks (UC) will also be performed on the leg components and their
holding systems in such conditions.
The report shall also highlight what is the likelihood for a punch through, or rapid penetration,
due to the soil strength curves. Needless to say, such events can be extremely dangerous and
could lead to catastrophic failure and consequences. Hence in such scenarios, and before
committing a rig to the move, mitigation measure must be in place to minimise the risk to
ALARP, such as:
 Reduce the maximum preload value, if indeed acceptable/feasible
 Preload each leg separately
 Preload at positive draft
 Reduce the soil strength by drilling pilot holes (i.e. Swiss Cheesing)
 Reposition the rig at to avoid possible contact with the platform should it punch through,
and loading the bow leg first
In cases where any preloading wants to be undertaken instead of only soft-pinning at a
stand-off position and geotechnical data and SSA is not available for the specific stand-off
location, then a specific risk assessment shall be conducted to determine if it is safe to
preload the rig at the stand-off location. Such risk assessment has to include due
considerations for the lack of geotechnical information at specific location, use of
conservative pre-loading procedures (at max. positive draft), punch-through risks at the
nearby final position at platform, rig survivability, previous punch-through occurrences in Al
Shaheen. Risk assessment to be authorised by both D&W manager and NOC Subject Matter
Expert (SME).
Rig Move Procedure
Below is a typical spudcan penetration analysis generated in the SSA for a given rig type. The
chart will indicate both the upper and lower soil strength curves, plus the average. Caution
should be taken when comparing offset rigs plotted on the same chart, for not necessarily
representative. The significant aspects taken into consideration are:
 The soil strength interpretation
 The type of rig and its required preload valve for given survival conditions
 Spudcan geometry
Rig Move Procedure
The following example is for a BMC400 at FA-Platform. As is evident in this example, if

the average soil strength curve is used, in theory one could expect 9ft penetration.
However, if the soil strength is at the lower bound value, or somewhere in between, the
leg could hang up at around the same depth, but could also potentially punch through
another 8ft.
Example Spudcan Penetration Analysis from a SSA
Rig Move Procedure
9.3.3 Step-Three: Punch Through Assessment (PTA) & Rig Survivability (if warranted)
Punch Through is a risk that is prevalent in the Al Shaheen field to various degrees dependent
on location. It is mandatory to have a Punch Through Analysis (PTA) & Rig Survivability
performed for all Rig moves.
Should the mandatory PTA highlight a punch-through risk, then a 2nd PTA & Rig Survivability
analysis shall be conducted by an independent 3rd party as verification. DNV GL (Noble Denton
marine services), having performed numerous SSA and PTA for various rigs in the Al Shaheen
field is a recommended 3rd party.
Punch Through Analysis (PTA) shall be performed, based on the Rig pre-loading in the water
(positive draft, thus allowing greater buoyancy in the event of punch through). Such analysis
shall not only determine the in-line hull deflection towards the platform but more significantly the
UC coefficient for the leg chords and braces, including the jacking gear holding strength. A
significant aspect from a punch-through is the recovery method, for if not done correctly, it could
easily result in serious leg or jacking gear damage that could prove catastrophic and/or require
significant repair time in a shipyard. Hence the analysis shall also determine the recoverability
(method/procedure) of the unit from such a punch through, and this should be clearly
understood by those responsible for any such recovery.
Since such analysis use proprietary software, and in order to provide a degree of safety in such
analysis (especially since the dynamic effect is difficult to incorporate fully), it is advisable that
no leg component should be loaded to exceed a UC of 0.6.
In such circumstances, it is also prudent advisable to consult with a Subject Matter Expert
(SME); and in critical situations, employ the services of an independent authority on the subject
matter, providing the initial data provided to the rig contractor only, to derive at yet another
assessment of the soil conditions and expected penetration curves.
Below is a typical analysis of a Punch Through assessment chart, the example being for a MLT
116C type rig at FA-Platform.
Note: NOC has an extensive database of rig move data for the Al Shaheen field. This
comprises of the leg penetrations, applied preload value, for most of the different rigs types
used in the Al Shaheen field adjacent to the respective platforms. Such information is invaluable
to the soil and structural engineers when determining the expected legs penetrations for other
types of rigs at the same location.
Rig Move Procedure
PUNCH THROUGH ANALYSIS (PTA) of a MTL 116C on FA-Platform
Rig Move Procedure
9.3.4 Certificate of Approval (CoA)

Once the SSA has been issued and reviewed, and if necessary the PTA, the rig contractor’s
appointed Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS), and if satisfied that all the risks and mitigations
are in place, will issue the Certificate of Approval (CoA) for placing the rig at the intended
location and in the manner described.
The CoA shall make reference to the specifics in the SSA.
Note: As per NOC’s Marine Control procedure, the MWS and Towmaster must always be from
separate companies, so as to avoid conflict of interests and possible confusion of roles.
9.3.5 Rig Move Procedures (DRAFT)

At this juncture, and with the relevant data to hand, the rig contractor’s designated Towmaster
shall compile a DRAFT rig move procedure (RMP). This as a minimum should include the
following subject matter and shall be referenced in the Rig Move Meeting:
 Introduction
 Reference material used for the procedure
 Responsibilities
 Coordination
 Rig description
 Specific Rig Move Procedure:
o General Preparation – Rig
o Tow Vessels and Towing Details
o Passage Plan
o Environmental Criteria
o Communication
o Departure from XXX
o Transit from XXX to XXX
o Arrival and approach at XXX
o Preloading Procedure
Also included as annexed shall be:
o Passage Plan
o Drawings of the rig at the original destination
Rig Move Procedure
o Drawings of the rig at the final destination
o Tide Table for the North Field offshore Qatar
o BP Calculations
o Reference to the Al Shaheen Inter-field Tow Guidelines for the relevant rig.
Furthermore, the procedure should include:

 Confirmation from the rig’s Barge Engineer (BE) that the stability programme for the rig is
accurate and no history of faulting
 Confirmation on the functionality of the spudcan jetting systems, and that complete sets of
hoses / lines are available for each leg simultaneously, and pressure rating.
 That all certificates on all towing gear, smith bracket, anchor winches / wires and
associated equipment are valid and all the equipment tested and in good order.
 That all dump valves have been serviced / tested and blinds installed where relevant.
 Pre-load tank calibrations and sensors.
 The procedure should also address the specific Rig Move Procedure (RMP) prepared for
the rig’s own Operational Manual (with references to the subject document).
 How Rack Phase Difference (RPD) is to be monitored, with stated acceptable limits and a
procedure for handling of any such issues. There should also be a statement of the
requirement for qualified personnel to be on board to assist if any such issues should
arise
 The RMP must include a procedure for accurately determining the water depth, air
gap/draft and the position of the spudcan tips relative to the seabed prior to commencing
the actual pre-loading operations.
This is a significant aspect to verify prior to preloading for it is imperative to know exactly
where the spudcan position is in reference to the seabed and subsequent penetration
(one needs to know where the spudcan is on the penetration curve!). To assist in this
process, there is a spreadsheet compiled that uses GPS to confirm that calculated by the
TM or BE based on tides etc. (APPENDIX-D). Such information will also be verified by
the company provided supervisor for the contracted surveyors.
9.3.6 Pre-Loading Procedure

The significance of have a robust and detailed preload procedure cannot be overemphasised,
especially when there is a possibility of a punch through or rapid penetration. No matter how
unlikely, one should consider the consequences of such an event, and what could event
escalate to. A punch through next to a platform may not be an issue if: a) there is no possibility
of making impact with the platform, b) the legs are strong enough to resist damage, c) the rig
can recover from such a punch through – but what if one of these mitigation measures failed!
Thus when a preload procedure is derived and agreed by all the stakeholders, there must be a
strong justification to deviate from this plan. Any such deviation from agreed and signed
procedures must therefore be obtained through the NOC DS / Designate and the rig owner’s
onshore authority.
Rig Move Procedure
When compiling the preloading procedure, one should also be cognisant of the issues
addressed in sections 8.1.1 Punch Through, and 8.1.7 Mitigation Measure - Preloading
Rig Move Procedure
Should a Punch Through be anticipated, then mitigation measures could preclude preloading at
airgap, and invariable lead to a precautionary approach of preloading each leg at positive draft.
Needless to say, this implies a longer overall process for the rig ballasting will have to be
compensated (dumped) on a failing tide in order to maintain the desired preload value.
Thus the entire preload process could easily take up to 48hrs for all three legs. A consequence
of which is the need to have 24hr coverage of key personnel.
In such an event, there must be a clear plan for execution, taking into consideration of the
above and plot same for the prevailing tides. Such an example follows.
Example of Preloading each Leg Independently in the Water
The above is an extract from a Preload Plan that was subsequently updated to reflect actual
events, where over a period of less than 24hrs, the rig crew were able to catch favourable
conditions, over 2 low tides and 1 high tide, to hold the maximum preload for the agreed one
hour, without any further penetration, and without having to adjust the ballasting to maintain the
said preload. Note that during Spring Tides, the variations will be greater.
Note: In case of an elevated punch-through risk, the pre-load can be performed in two stages,
with both stages done at maximum achievable draft for the pre-load target. Such pre-load
schemes can extend the required weather window duration considerably and should be
conducted only where required in accordance with the specific rig move risk assessment,
considering the risk of punch-through, rig distance from platform, rig survivability and other
factors.
Rig Move Procedure
10. RIG MOVE COORDINATION

Rig move coordination shall commence with the Rig Move Meeting and shall be organised,
coordinated, and chaired by the relevant Drilling Superintendent (or his designate).
10.1 Rig Move Meeting

The meeting shall be convened at least a month before the intended rig move date in order to
work through the procedures in detail and ensure adequate risk management has been
conducted, and risk mitigations are appropriate and ALARP and ensure risk management has
been properly conducted and risk mitigation are appropriate and ALARP.
The following functions shall participate in the meeting:
 Contractor Rig Manager
 Rig Contractor appointed Rig Mover / Tow Master (subject to approval by NOC Marine
Logistics). The Tow Master shall in person be the same as the one who will perform the
actual rig move.
 NOC Drilling Superintendent / Designate
 NOC Rig Move Advisor (when deemed necessary)
 NOC Field Operations Representative
 NOC Marine-Logistics Representative
 NOC Survey Supervisor
 NOC E&C Representative
 NOC DW HSE Representative
 NOC HSEQ Representative
The agenda for the Rig Move Meeting could be as per APPENDIX C, which also serves as a
template for the MoM. The structure of the meeting is such that it sequentially addresses the
key elements of each phase of the move, where the respective parties can contribute towards
the deliverable. The following documents form the basis for the meeting:
 Meeting agenda
 Relevant drawings
 Rig and Site details
 Vessel specifications (if known at the time of the meeting)
 Draft RMP
Following the Rig Move Meeting, the Drilling Superintendent/designate shall issue a MoM to all
involved parties with clear distribution of tasks and responsibilities, and ensure the action points
are closed out in due time prior to the rig move.
Rig Move Procedure
10.2 Rig Move Procedure

With the information collated at the rig move meeting, the following shall be finalised:
 Rig Move Procedure (RMP) - generated by the Tow Master
 Detailed Preload Plan, agreed by all stakeholders – generated by rig contractor
 Confirmation of vessels to be utilised – by Towmaster
 Additional Equipment required – agreed at Rig Move Meeting
 Roles and Responsibilities – herein and in RMP prepared by Towmaster
10.3 Vessel Selection

Within NOC, the Marine department shall be responsible for providing the AHTS vessels for the
interfiled rig moves, and potentially mobilisation and demobilisation of rigs, should the rig
contractor wish to use on a reimbursable basis. As such, there will be assurance as to the
standards and conditions of the vessels, and compliance with company policies etc. Needless
to say, access will be granted to the Towmaster and/or MWS to inspect the said vessels prior to
any move.
The RMP for the rig in question shall clearly stipulate the max required bollard pull for infield
tows and rig positioning, including specific lead tug requirements in terms of BP.
As a general requirement for moving any rig within the Al Shaheen field, is one lead AHTS and
two supporting AHTS are necessary. For the final approach and/or departure from a platform, 2
supporting AHTS are always required in addition to the lead AHTS. The requirements in terms
of bollard pull for the lead tug and any supporting AHTS shall be defined for each project/rig
type, and the Rig Contractor shall provide proof of adequate bollard pull for both move and
positioning within the given weather criteria and with due consideration to the prevailing currents
in the area (strength, direction).
Additional special purpose vessels might be required, which could be smaller vessels to assist
with passing of wires below bridges, or connecting same to a preinstalled soft line anchor point
to an adjacent platform (see below). The latter would be connected to one of the rigs aft anchor
winches.
Other considerations might be any requirements for ROV services and / or other monitoring
services when positioning a rig.
10.3.1 Bollard Pull Requirements

All AHT and AHTS on contract to NOC shall have a current Class Approved Bollard Pull
Certificate. This certificate is not to be older than three years. NOC Long-term vessels,
(over 1 year contract duration) are required to have the Bollard Pull test re-certified on
an annual basis.
10.4 Equipment Required

Rig move procedures generally specify the equipment to be used during the operation both for
the rig itself and all support vessels taking into account any special circumstances. As a
minimum, these are likely to include the rig’s towing bridle, main and spare towing wires, work
wires, hooks and grapnels and a navigation package.
Rig Move Procedure
10.4.1 Al Shaheen Inter-field Tow Guidelines

The above guidelines have been prepared by DNV-GL for inter field towage of rigs within the Al
Shaheen field. It takes into consideration the type of rig being towed, the tow vessels being
utilised, the towing gear (both for the rig and the tow vessels), the required bollard pulls, the
resulting SWL/MBL of the equipment, and the environmental criteria.
10.4.2 Positioning Services

It is usual for the navigation package to be supplied via a third party provider sourced via NOC
and to cover all hardware, software and personnel for both the rig and support vessels. The
equipment should be capable of monitoring the rig’s position, and that of the AHTS vessels
associated with the move, during all stages of the operation and be sufficiently accurate to
safeguard the integrity of all subsea assets. Continuous positioning should be available to all
interested parties and proper logs maintained throughout the operation. It is anticipated that the
survey equipment shall include Total Station, Gyrocompass, and SR Lasers shall be used for
the final approach in order to ensure accurate positioning relative to the platform structure and
wells/slots to be reached. TMS systems shall be placed on all three AHTS, and invariably an
additional surveyor shall be placed on a nearby platform to operate the supporting RTK system.
In addition to the surveying crew, NOC shall ensure that an independent Surveying Supervisor
shall oversee the positioning services being provided.
The requirement for crew and equipment may increase if specific requirements for online
monitoring of pipelines during positioning / departure and / or known seabed obstructions need
to be monitored with use of sonar reflectors (may be installed in advance). If relevant, this will
be defined in the Risk Assessment for the rig move
10.4.3 Mooring, Anchor Winches, & Support Vessel

Historically in Al Shaheen, the use of anchors for rig positioning has not been advocated, simply
due to the proximity of pipelines that invariably run across intend anchor patterns. Hence the
use of 3 vessels for positioning. However, all NOC contracted rigs are to have both stern
anchor winches to assist in positioning, where applicable.
Invariably the drilling platforms in the Al Shaheen field have an adjacent platform within 100ft on
one or both sides; which are connected with bridges. Towmaster often make use of these
structures to attached one of the rig’s aft anchor winches in order to have a stable tie-on point
to assist in pulling the rig into final position. In order to facilitate this, soft- mooring ropes are
preinstalled on the platform’s structures (bollards). Any appendix of mooring ropes to any part of
a platform other than the dedicated bollards (marked 50 t) shall be approved by NOC E&C
(Engineering & Construction). The soft lines generally used for mooring purposes are 80 mm
Polypropylene Rope (75 t BS), 50 m long with soft spliced eyes in both ends, and the shackles
for these are generally rated to SWL 35 t.
The mooring lines are typically installed around existing bollards or around the legs of the
platform jacket — both typically rated to minimum 50 t SWL. To install the mooring rope(s) a
vessel typically has to be utilized to do this installation from the sea. Most of the time, there are
vessels in the field, under control of a location HSE-SA or FSO which can be used for this
purpose.
Rig Move Procedure
However, preference would be to have a smaller and more manoeuvrable support vessel for
such close proximity work to the platform. The Drilling Superintendent / Focal Point can request
for assistance through the respective HSE-SA, with precise description of work scope, including
schematics. See APPENDIX- F for Mooring ropes installation scope of work. The process of
supplying and installing the soft line is managed via Marine Logistics and Field Ops
(Maintenance) who shall liaise with the relative platform’s HSE-SA or HSE-SA-D to assist in the
installation.
Mooring line depicted in hatched-green & attached to the bollard on the flare-stack tripod
10.5 Preload Plan

Preloading should be conducted as per the rig owner’s Marine Operations Manual for the rig.
However, such documentation may not necessarily address issues such as potential Punch
Through, the full consequences, and the mitigation measures. Hence each case should be
viewed in its own merits and the risks assessed and mitigate to ALARP. Reference section 8.
Site Approval herein.
Rig Move Procedure
10.6 Roles and Responsibilities of Key Personnel

Undertaking a rig move is a complex operation involving a number of different parties who each
have a role to play. The responsibilities of each of the parties for a successful outcome have
developed over time and is now fairly standardised across all areas of the world.
The Rig Move Meeting (APPENDIX F) will define the final personnel requirement for the specific
rig move. As positioning of a rig at a platform location and in particular the subsequent pre-
loading operations may last considerably longer than 12 hours, it is essential that all functions
are sufficiently manned to enable continuous operation. It may be necessary to have two Tow
Masters for this operation, as may well be the case for other key personnel such as the Barge
Engineer.
In overview, it is usual for the following parties to assume the following responsibilities:
ONSHORE
10.6.1 NOC Drilling Superintendent

 Organises the site surveys, analysis, follow-through, and dissemination of results.
 Takes the presence of other assets into account and provides minimum vertical/horizontal
clearance distances. Ascertains weather/wave/tidal stream data.
 Ensures the rig move has been properly planned and that all necessary risk assessments
for all phases of the operation have been conducted satisfactorily.
 Arranges for written rig move procedures to be produced where this is not done by the rig
owner (Towmaster).
 Determines the requirements for and arranges the provision of all necessary hardware,
equipment, vessels and personnel. Where required, all equipment certification should be
confirmed.
 Convenes the Rig Move Meeting onshore to brief representatives of all parties involved
including their own representatives and distributes the minutes with relevant action points.
 Ensures any mooring arrangements are fulfilled (soft lines).
 Conducts a full risk assessment of the move with the relevant parties.
10.6.2 Rig Owner

 Arranges for written rig move procedures to be produced by the Towmaster, including the
Preloading Procedures. Agree on procedures with other parties involved in the rig move
operation.
 Appoints the Towmaster
 Attend rig move meetings and ensure procedures are fully understood.
 Participates in the assessments for all parts of the operation.
 Ensure the rig is fully manned with sufficient suitably experienced and well rested staff,
taking into account that the operation may require 24/7 working.
 Ensure all communication equipment is operating satisfactorily and allocate a frequency
for the helicopter beacon.
Rig Move Procedure
OFFSHORE
10.6.3 Towmaster or Rig Mover

Note: Some Rig Contractors delegate this responsibility to the Barge Engineer.
 The Towmaster appointed for the rig move will be competent in all aspects of rig moving
and will be responsible for all aspects of the rig move operation.
 Organise and lead the pre move meetings both Onshore and Offshore onboard the rig
prior to the rig move
 Inspected the AHTS for their suitability and readiness prior to starting the rig move and
prior the pre-rig move meeting is held on board of the rig
 Briefs the AHTS Masters prior to commencement of operation.
 Liaise with the NOC Marine Logistics Representative and Rig OIM and BE on all matters
concerning the rig move.
 Ensure that suitable passage plans are available.
 Responsible for executing the agreed preloading procedure, and prior to preloading,
confirms with the NOC Survey Supervisor that they are in agreement with the exact point
where the leg makes contact with the seabed.
 Maintain an operational log.
 Produce a rig move report.
10.6.4 Drilling Contractor OIM (Rig OIM)

 Has overall responsibility for the safety of the rig and all personnel at all times. The
conduct of the tow including passage planning, course and speed; stationing of personnel
to handle towing and anchoring equipment.
 Decides when operations should begin in consultation with other parties.
 Organises a pre-move meeting on board the rig prior to starting the move operations and
records the results.
 Ensures that all key personnel including AHTS masters are attending the meeting.
 Point of contact through whom all exterior communications and notification will pass.
 Relieve BE during extended preloading operations - if the Rig OIM qualified to do so.
Otherwise, additional personnel shall be sourced.
10.6.5 Rig Barge Engineer (BE)

 The BE is in charge of the marine equipment on the rig, the utilization of this and to keep
and maintain an up to date operational log. He will furthermore, prepare the pre-load
weights into the rig’s stability / pre-load program, and the calculations shall be checked
and verified by the Marine Warranty Surveyor.
 The program shall furthermore be forwarded to Rig Contractor onshore authority and
MWS onshore for review.
Rig Move Procedure
 Responsible for executing the agreed preloading procedure, and prior to preloading,
confirms with the NOC Survey Supervisor that they are in agreement with the exact point
where the leg makes contact with the seabed.
 Note: Some Rig contractors delegate this responsibility to the Towmaster.
10.6.6 HSE-SA or HSE-SA-D (OIM/OTL on respective installations)

 The Field Operations Representative on the relative production platform is responsible for
the production and construction operations on the permanent facilities.
 Close cooperation between the individual and the DSV is of prime importance, which is
outlined in the Site Specific SIMOPS Document and / or in the supporting documents (Rig
Move Meeting MoM), with specific emphasis on means of communication and when.
 Confirm to the DSV when the facility is indeed shut-in as agreed.
10.6.7 NOC Rig Move Representative
Prior to the rig move

 Attend pre-rig move meetings
 Review all marine aspects of the rig move procedures such as but not limited to:
o Nomination and suitability of AHTS
o Experience of the AHTS crew
o AHTS connection and disconnection
o Move out procedure
o Passage plan of the rig towards the new location
o Stand-by locations
o Move-in procedures
o Mooring deployment,
o Rig Positioning
o Preloading
 Attend HAZID (hazard identification) Risk Assessment meetings related to the rig move
o Identify marine hazard in relation to the rig move (move out – transit – move
in)
o Propose RRM ( risk reduction measures)
o Agree on responsibility for the implementation of the RRM
During the rig move

 Attend pre-rig move meeting on board of the rig prior to starting the operations
 Responsible for ensuring that all operations are conducted in such a manner as to
safeguard the integrity of all Affiliate assets, these assets include but is not limited to
all existing sub-sea and surface installations.
Rig Move Procedure
 Witnesses the marine aspects of the rig move including but not limited to:
o mooring operations,
o positioning of the rig,
o preloading of the rig
 Ensuring deployed moorings are tested in accordance with the rig move procedures.
 Responsible for monitoring and accountability of all marine equipment supplied by
NOC.
After the rig move

 Produce a rig move report, including feedback on each vessel and crews
performance
 Attend rig move debriefing meeting as might be required
10.6.8 Company Drilling Supervisor, DSV (HSE-SA or HSE-SA-D)

 Attend the pre-rig move meeting organised on board of the rig prior to the rig move
 In conjunction with the NOC Marine Logistics Representative, responsible for ensuring
that all operations are conducted in such a manner as to safeguard the safety,
environment and the integrity of all NOC assets.
 Focal point for all communications with the relevant platform HSE-SA or HSE-SA-D
10.6.9 Support Vessel Masters

 Has overall responsibility for the safety of his vessel and all personnel at all times.
 Attend pre-rig move meeting on board of the rig prior to starting the rig move operations
 Brief his crew on vessel and task safety procedures before commencing operations.
 To avoid exerting excessive stresses to any part of the mooring system or rig.
 Compliance with the passage and mooring plans, including the transmission of
appropriate navigational warnings.
Rig Move Procedure
10.6.10 NOC Survey Supervisor

 Attend the pre-rig move meeting on board of the rig prior to starting the rig move
 Liaises with the Marine Representative with respect to navigational equipment status and
position confidence.
 Responsible for proper set-up and operation of the positioning system.
 Responsible for providing constant data updated throughout the rig move showing the
position of the rig and the AHTS.
 Reconfirms and accepts final rig position on behalf of NOC
 Verifies the values of seabed and leg penetration using the Geomatics spreadsheet, and
ensures that the relevant parties are in agreement before preloading commences.
 Maintain records of all relevant data during the rig move for later evaluation
10.6.11 Marine Warranty Surveyor (MWS)

 Issue on behalf of the drilling contractor, a Certificate of Approval (CoA) prior to the
commencement of the rig move.
 Attend the pre-rig move meeting organised Onshore and Offshore onboard of the rig prior
to starting the rig move
 Ensure the operation is conducted strictly within the terms of the insurance and CoA.
 Monitor and record the unit’s transit stability and calculations conducted by the drilling
contractor.
 Approve the rig's seaworthiness (including the sea-fastening of loose equipment), the rig
move procedures and the selected towing vessels.

Note: Different drilling contractors may have slightly different definitions of Roles &
Responsibilities for some of the above positions. However, there shall be no uncertainty
as to who is responsible for the Preloading Procedure, be it the Towmaster, Barge
Engineer, or Rig OIM. Furthermore, the relief for this responsibility must also be clearly
designated, and who must not only be appropriately qualified, but be fully rested to
relieve one and other after being 12hrs on shift.
Rig Move Procedure
11. SIMOPS
11.1 SIMOPS and E&C Tie-In Site Survey
NOC procedures require that a SIMOPS and E&C Tie-In Site Survey be conducted by D&W,
E&C and FO representative to the intended facility at least 2 months prior to rig arrival, and
thereafter, in conjunction with a representative from the drilling contractor, a month prior to
arrival.
The objective of the initial visit is to:
 Verify what provisions there are on the platform to accept and connect the required
services; namely the “rig tie-in box”.
The tie-in consist of:
o ESD
o MAC
o GVA
o IT Fibre Optic
 Survey for potential clashes with structural elements, piping, cabling, instrumentation
 General condition of the areas on the platform to be accessed,
decking/grating/handrails/hatches etc.
 Other obstacles, new construction/piping, deck occupancy etc. that could impede or affect
the rig from conducting its planned activity on the intended wells or slots.
The visit should be documented and deficiencies/concerns highlighted and appropriate action
taken with the responsible departments.
In addition, internally with Well Services, the condition of the existing wells shall be reviewed
well in advance to identify any potential issues in preparing the platform/wells for rig
departure/entry.
11.2 SIMOPS Job Safety Analysis (JSA) For Entire Move

A full JSA shall be performed by again convening a meeting with the attendees who attended
the Rig Move Meeting. As a minimum, this shall consider the following:
Part-1, Planning:
 The adequacy of the Rig Move Coordination
 Vessel selection
 All notifications as required by local regulations and aviation
 Weather forecasts obtained from 72 hours before the planned move.
Part-2, Moving-off the Platform:

 Sufficient weather window
 Rig Move Procedures
 Water tight integrity/rig stability
 Shut in Requirements and status
 Daylight hours
 Jacking down and freeing legs
 Moving away
 Recommence production
Rig Move Procedure
Part-3, Inter-field Tow:

 Route to be followed
 Notifications
 Surface and seabed obstacles to avoid
 Infield Traffic
Part-4, Positioning onto the Platform:

 Initial soft pinning the rig within Stand-Off position
 Mooring arrangements
 Support vessels
 Weather and sea state, favourable currents
 Daylight hours
 Condition of Key personnel and crew
 Final approach procedure
 Status on platform shut down
 Spudcan interaction with previous depressions
 Proximity to platform
 Position tolerance, and subsequent acceptance
Part-5, Preloading at new Platform:

 Agreed procedure, leg-by-leg, sequence
 Release of vessels
 Tide allowances, ballasting programme
 Determination of exact seabed interaction with spudcans, GPS verification – BEFORE
preloading
 Real Time comparison of expected vs actual leg penetration
 Holding times
Part-6, Jacking Up and Preparing for SIMOPS

 Final air gap
 Confirmation on rig position and access to intended wells
 Skidding out
 Preparation for SIMOPS and hook-up of rig-box
11.3 Site Specific SIMOPS Document

In addition to the Drilling and Production Simultaneous Operations Procedure (CP-NOC-053), a
Site Specific SIMOPS Document shall be generated. The said document shall be generated by
D&W and the relevant Production representative at the intended platform/site.
The Site Specific SIMOPS document shall be included in the General SIMOPS Dossier for the
planned activity on the installation.
11.4 Al Shaheen Drilling & Production SIMOPS Matrix

The above matrix clearly defines what activity may be simultaneously conducted when there is a
platform within the Drilling Site Authority Area. Therein, it clearly stipulates that there will be no
SIMOPS activity as from the period a rig commences its final approach to the platform, during
Rig Move Procedure
rig positioning, preloading, jacking-up to final air gap, and until such time as the cantilever is
skidded out and is over the first well.
When a rig departs from a Platform, SIMOPS activity may continue during skidding-in the
cantilever and is subsequently secured. However, SIMOPS must cease before a rig starts to
jack-down, confirm water-tight integrity, work the legs free, and until such time that it is afloat
and under tow with the 3 assigned tow vessels, and is at least 50m away from the platform.At
the Rig Move Meeting, it shall be agreed with the HSE-SA or HSE-SA-D on a schedule of
notifications prior to the definitive notice as to when (and how) the platform must be shut-in, in
order to comply with the SIMOPS Matrix.
Rig Move Procedure
12. RIG MOVE
12.1 Moving Off Platform

Prior to commencing a rig move, the rig must be prepared for a sea voyage. Field moves should
be conducted within a forecasted weather window for the duration of the move, positioning and
preloading, that permits these operations to be conducted safely and efficiently within the given
time frame. A passage plan must be in place prior to commencement of the rig move covering
all aspects, dangers and safety considerations for full passage between locations.
The following is a list of items that should be taken into account prior to commencement of the
rig move.
12.1.1 Planning
 Sufficient, well rested crew on board rig and support vessels.
 All notifications as required by local regulations and insurance bodies sent.
 Weather forecasts obtained from 72 hours before the planned move. Satisfactory weather
window identified.
 Stability calculations for expected departure/transit conditions carried out and confirmed.
 Rig and all support vessels shall have all relevant charts and nautical publications, fully
corrected to date, for the intended passage.
12.1.2 General Preparation

 Visual inspection of all towing equipment, including emergency gear.
 All loose gear and deck cargo securely fastened with appropriate equipment. Equipment
to be secured should include:
o Cranes
o Riser handling crane
o Travelling equipment at the Drill Floor
o Heavy equipment on deck
o Drill Pipe and casing in racks
o BOP stacks
 Hoses and loose gear both above and below deck.
 Closure of all watertight/weathertight door and hatches except those necessary for rig
move.
 Ballasting operations to arrive at transit condition.
 Final stability calculations based on actual departure/transit conditions.
 Navigational passage plan in place for the whole of the intended passage.
 All machinery, lights, communication and navigational equipment on rig and support
vessels verified as operating correctly.
 Procedure discussed with all personnel, including all support vessel Masters.
Rig Move Procedure
12.1.3 Field Rig-Move Meeting

Once the key personnel are in the field, as for the AHTS vessels, and prior to the actual move, a
final rig-move meeting should be convened in the field with all those physically involved in the
rig move. This meeting should be held off-shore, preferably on the rig, and as a minimum should
involve representatives of the rig management, rig’s OIM, BE, DSV, NOC Marine Logistics
representative, Towmaster, Survey Supervisor, and the Masters of all AHTS. The meeting
should be organised and chaired by the Towmaster, who would have written the Rig Move
Procedure, which should be the primary focus and presented at the meeting. During the
meeting, all participants will be able to seek clarification if required. Good practice recommends
that minutes of rig move meetings are kept and distributed to all participants. It is also
imperative that reference is made of the Al Shaheen Inter-field Guidelines for the rig in question
and that tow vessel captains and crew are fully versed with any limitations and mitigations in the
equipment being used, and procedures to be adhered to during the tow.
12.1.4 Communication
Good communication practices should be maintained throughout the actual rig move. The
Towmaster shall verify and maintain good communications with the vessel Master’s, the rig’s
OIM and Barge Engineer. The rig’s OIM is responsible for ensuring that all personnel are aware
of their duties and responsibilities on the rig and that clear communications procedures are
established between the principal parties. On board support vessels the Master is to ensure that
toolbox talks are held and that all crew are properly briefed on their duties.
Radio frequency channels as listed in SD-NOC-MAR-001 Marine Control Procedure – Appendix
C – Allocation of VHF Marine Channels should be used for all marine / rig move operations.
It should be clearly understood that communications operate and can be initiated in two
directions, i.e., that it is equally important for those on support vessels to communicate back to
the rig not simply to receive instructions. In this respect it is important for AHT Masters to notify
the rig of any changes to its operational status without delay and also of any concerns they may
have in carrying out what is being asked of them.
12.1.5 Day Light Requirements

Moving off or onto a platform shall only be conducted during daylight. However, daylight is not a
prerequisite for moving a rig between locations, entering the 500 m safety zone, and pinning the
rig at a pre-defined stand-off location.
12.1.6 Well Platform Shut-In (Move Off)

Once the cantilever is skidded in, equipment prepared in terms of sea-fastening, and the rig is
ready to start jacking down, final notification shall be issued by the DSV to the OTL/OIM that the
rig is indeed ready to jack down, and shall commence to do so once confirmed that
wells/platform are/is shut down as agreed.
The normal procedure for closing in the platform prior to moving off shall consist of:
a) All producing wells to be closed-in, the SSSVs closed, and tubing plus casing
depressurised.
b) All gas injector wells to be closed-in, the SSSVs closed, and tubing plus casing
depressurised.
Rig Move Procedure
c) All water injector wells to be closed-in, the SSSVs closed, no depressurising required
d) All flow lines and manifolds shall be depressurised on the facility and all pipelines will be
closed at the ESDV.
All platform shut-down requirements will be confirmed in the Rig Move Meeting MoM, Risk
Assessment, and the Site Specific SIMOPS document.
12.1.7 Jacking and Rack Phase Difference (RPD)

With the wells/platform shut-in, the ESD, MAC, GVA and IT FO communications systems may
be disconnected at the respective junction boxes at the platform and stern of the rig. Thereafter
the NOC rig communications shall be dependent on the wireless WIMAX system in the field,
and the emergency Satellite phone; whereas the drilling contractor will continue to have the V-
Sat system and Radio communications. The drilling contractor will then prepare to and
commence the jacking down of the rig into the water and to free the legs using the rig’s
buoyancy and jacking system.
As a unit’s legs are being raised/lowered, it is important to consider the potentially damaging
effects that ‘rack phase difference’ (RPD) may have on the bracings of truss framed legs. In
recent years a number of jack-ups have suffered structural damage as a result of RPD and
therefore great care should be taken to minimise the event. RPD occurs when there is
imbalanced loading on the unit’s leg chords and could be caused by differences in spudcan
support due to hard or uneven seabed conditions. RPD becomes apparent when there are
differences in the vertical displacement of the leg chords when compared to the horizontal plane
and in almost all cases it is nearly impossible to determine whether RPD may occur before
jacking begins.
12.1.8 Water Tight Integrity Check

Prior to working the legs free, the water integrity of the hull must first be confirmed, for not only
may there be leaks in the hull from corrosion/impact damage while elevated (which could be
over an extensive period), there are numerous penetrations in the hull for various fluid
discharges etc where the integrity of isolation valves must also be verified. This is achieved by
lowering the hull into the water to a predetermined depth and held for a pre-determined period.
The draft/buoyancy must be calculated to ensure that the rig does not have the potential to
become afloat at this juncture. As a precaution, the lead tug is always made fast onto the rig’s
main bridle on the Bow prior to entering the water. While the observation period is being held,
the remaining 2 support vessels are normally connected to the rig.
12.1.9 Freeing Legs

When moving a jack-up unit from a site, it is first changed from elevated mode to the afloat
mode by jacking-down the hull into the water where it becomes buoyant. In clay soils, or in other
soil situations allowing deep spudcan penetrations, the cans may suffer from soil suction or
have a considerable weight of soil on the top of them. Under such circumstances, it might not be
straightforward to retrieve the legs and may be necessary to use a leg jetting system assisted
by the hull’s buoyancy. However, in the Al Shaheen field, the typical leg penetration is less than
10m with carbonates and fine to medium sands, with some soft clays. Due to the limited
penetration and soil characteristics, jetting is seldom required.
Rig Move Procedure
The jetting system consists of a series of discharge nozzles on both the underside and on top of
the spudcans. Water is pumped to the nozzles at high pressure and used to break the suction of
the spudcan bottom to the soil and remove accumulated sediment from on top of the spudcans.
The system may have an additional benefit of filling the cavity below the spudcan with water so
that the soil does not have to fill the cavity and also may provide some slight positive upward
pressure to the bottom surface of the spudcan.
If the jetting system cannot fully release the legs, it is also possible to provide an upward force
to pull the legs out of the soil by jacking the legs further, so the hull is at a greater draft than the
calculated afloat draft and so utilizing the hull’s buoyancy. The amount that the hull can be
pulled down below the calculated afloat draft is determined at the rig design stage and is usually
recorded in the unit’s Marine Operating Manual.
Leg retrieval should be conducted as to maintain the hull in a level condition as otherwise high
bending moments can be imposed on the legs.
It should also be noted that when the rig is in the water, and the legs are in contact with the
seabed, the unit may experience large sway motions even in relatively calm seas and in these
cases the hull’s horizontal motions should be limited by anchors or AHTS in order to prevent
high bending moments.
12.1.10 Resumption of Production

Once the rig afloat and legs free and clear of the seabed, the tow shall commence with the 3
assigned tow Vessels. Production may then resume once the rig is at least 50m away from the
platform, and the OIM/OTL shall be informed accordingly by the DSV.
Prior to moving outside the standoff location, the legs shall be raised a minimum of 25m above
the seabed to avoid potential contact with seabed obstructions.
12.2 Moving Through the Field (Transit)

The tow should follow the agreed tow route through the field and in compliance with the Rig
Move Procedures. If necessary, an update may be required of the latest North Field SIMOPS
plan from Geomatics, and or updates from FSO for tanker loadings and planned vessel
movements, if relevant.
During the tow, and passing over seabed pipelines, the spudcans shall be kept at a minimum of
25 m above the seabed.
The rig shall not encroach the 1500m exclusion zone for the SPM, or 500m exclusion zone from
other installations being circumvented enroute.
Even though there are exclusion zones, it should be noted that there are frequent incursions
into these zones by small fishing vessels.
Moving a rig between locations, entering the 500 m safety zone and pinning the rig at a pre-
defined stand-off location does not generally require day light.
Reference should also be made to the Al Shaheen Inter-field Tow Guidelines.
12.2.1 Notifications & Transit Times

In view of the relatively short duration of the infield tows (4-6hrs), if one is able to move off one
platform close to first light, then, in theory, the rig could arrive at the new location and position
Rig Move Procedure
same before darkness. As such, close cooperation and coordination is required between the
respective HSE-SAs or HSE-SA-Ds on the departing and destination facilities in order that no
delays are incurred waiting on platform shut-down, that could result in losing the window of
opportunity to move into position. Once in position, preloading may commence and continue
through the hours of darkness.
If not pre-assigned to the move, coordination with either the HSE-SA or HSE-SA-D will be
necessary to ensure that the dedicated support vessel is made available (if indeed required) to
assist in connecting one or more of the aft anchor winches on the rig to the soft-line attached on
the adjacent platforms bollard. Invariably this also requires the assistance of Production in order
to release the free end of the soft rope which is usually tied back to the bridge between both
platforms.
12.3 Moving onto Stand-Off Location

In order to enter the 500m exclusion Zone around the platform, the DSV shall ensure that an
entry permit has been issued in advance with the OTL/OIM. Entering and soft-pinning the rig
within the Stand-Off location does not require for the platform to be shut-in. Of ten such activity
will take place just before or after dusk, and the rig will have to wait for daylight before making
its final approach. As the rig approaches the 500m zone, the tow speed shall be reduced and
the lines shortened as required. The tow will then turn and present the stern of the rig in the
direction of the platform. The Towmaster shall coordinate with the Rig OIM and BE to
commence lowering the legs and soft pin the rig within the stand-off location. Thereafter the
support vessels shall be repositioned as required, and any anchors winch-wires connected to
the adjacent platform using soft lines were deemed necessary. A separate support vessel will be
required for such activity and prearranged with the Marine department. In certain circumstances,
there may be a requirement to reposition one or more of the AHTS on the other side of
connecting bridges.
In such circumstances, a prior requested to Marine would have been made to provide a suitable
vessel that can travel under the bridge to reconnect the AHTS with the tow line. A separate
Guideline (GM-NOC-MAR-005) exists for the installation of the softlines on the required
leg/bollard, this shall be prearranged in advance of the move. The freeboard under platform
bridges is listed in the MCS.
12.4 Moving On Platform

In compliance with the SIMOPS Matrix, prior to the final approach to the platform, the latter shall
be closed-in, and remain so until such time at the rig is skidded over the first well or slot.
12.4.1 Well Platform Shut-In (Move On)

The shut-in requirements for the platform will invariably be the same as for moving off, namely
e) All producing wells to be closed-in, the SSSVs closed, and tubing plus casing
depressurised.
f) All gas injector wells to be closed-in, the SSSVs closed, and tubing plus casing
depressurised.
g) All water injector wells to be closed-in, the SSSVs closed, no depressurising required
h) All flow lines and manifolds shall be depressurised on the facility, and all pipelines will be
closed at the ESDV.
Rig Move Procedure
All platform shut-down requirements will be confirmed in the Rig Move Meeting MoM, Risk
Assessment, and the Site Specific SIMOPS document.
12.4.2 Platform Approach and Final Positioning

If there is sufficient daylight and time remaining, and once confirmed by the HSE-SA or HSE-
SA-D that the shut-down preparations have been completed as agreed, the rig may be pulled
into position. Otherwise, the rig positioning will have to wait till first daylight. Furthermore, the
final say on when to move in resides with the Towmaster and shall take into consideration
weather criteria, tide movement and current direction etc.
Once the rig is positioned and within tolerances, which will be confirmed by the NOC Survey
Supervisor, and following the below confirmation and agreements, preloading may commence.
Normally the supporting vessels are disconnected at this stage, leaving the Lead AHTS
connected to the Bow of the rig.
12.4.3 Process Quality for Positioning and Preloading

To improve the quality of the process, prior to and during critical operations such as pre-loading
and jacking, key information must be filled in a check-list for distribution and subsequent
approval. The information as regards to elevations and spudcan penetrations shall be verified
by independent measurements / calculations.
 Water Depth / Spudcan Penetration
Although Geomatics is defining the work scope for the surveying service, the following
initial dimensional checks related to the spudcan penetration calculations shall be done:
o Vertical distance from the GPS antenna to the main deck.
o Vertical distance from the GPS antenna to the leg reference mark.
o Centre of leg positions relative to the centre of the rig transom.
The Surveying Company will subsequently perform independent checks of the
actual elevations / spudcan penetrations for each leg at as a minimum prior to
pre-loading (initially when the legs are pinned and with zero air gap), when
preloading is complete (prior to jacking) and at the final elevation. The calculations
are based on tide and GPS respectively.
An example of the spudcan report is shown in APPENDIX D
 Prior to commencing pre-loading operations
After the legs have been pinned and at the planned elevation (either with a positive draft
or at minimum air gap), information regarding actual water depth, initial spudcan
penetrations, any RPD issues, drilling envelope coverage and pre-load tanks actual /
planned content for each leg must be prepared by the Rig Contractor representative
(OIM/BE) and approved by the MWS and NOC Marine-Logistics Representative. The
check-list is shown in document APPENDIX B.
In the event of a 2-stage preload, the above shall be repeated.
12.4.4 Preload Rig

Preloading should be conducted as per the Preload Procedure accompanying the Rig Move
Procedure, with roles and responsibilities clearly understood by all concerned.
Given the significance of the procedure, it should be proceeded by a Pre Job Meeting where the
process is again reviewed and talked through, and addressing ”what if”.
Rig Move Procedure
Once more, the issues and mitigation as highlighted in sections 8.1.1, 8.1.7, and 8.3.6 herein
should be understood by all.
12.4.5 Recommencement of Production and Start of SIMOPS

Once the preload has been successfully implemented, the ballast is dumped, lead tug released,
and the rig jacked up to final operating airgap. The rig will then prepare for operations, removing
sea-fastening, and skidding-out the cantilever. At this juncture, the survey team will reconfirm
that all the intended slots/wells are indeed within the rigs drilling’s envelope.
Once the cantilever is skidded out over the first well to be drilled or worked over, the DSV
onboard the rig shall notify the OIM/OTL that Production may be resumed.
However, prior to the actual start of operations by the rig, the SIMOPS preparedness shall be
verified by a subsequent Senior Management visit and approval.
12.5 Deviations to Operations/RMP

Any deviations from agreed and signed Rig Move Procedures/Plan must be obtained through
the NOC DS / Designate and the Rig Contractor’s onshore authority. This requirement shall also
be reflected in the Rig Contractor’s RMP.
Rig Move Procedure
13. AL SHAHEEN / GENERAL INFORMATION

The currently developed area of Al Shaheen includes 9 offshore locations, grouped into two
centres, on Alpha and Bravo locations. The infrastructure consist of interconnected pipe lines for
crude oil, export crude oil, wet gas, export gas, lift gas and water for injection, in addition to
power cables. A schematic of the platform and infrastructure is shown below, in addition to a
table with location details at the end of this section. Special considerations are required on
some of the locations, and these are described in the following sections.
For details on bridge and cellar deck heights, ref. Marine Control standards (SD-NOC-MAR-
001).
There is a minimum drilling rig clearance envelope required on all wellhead platforms. The
longitudinal clearance is to be minimum 12.5 m between the centreline of the inner row of wells
to the nearest platform structure protruding above the top deck of the platform, and transversal
minimum 15.5 m from the centreline of the outermost wells on each side (platform east and
west) of the well slot area to the nearest platform structure protruding above the top deck of the
platform.
On wellhead platforms AS-B-A and AS-C-A, the rig clearance envelope has been reduced due
to an additional gas line structure on the top deck, ref. Section 5.6. In such cases, exceptions to
the standard clearance requirements will be considered, however, actual measurements /
distances shall be documented on the relevant drawings.
To enable access to a well slot (work-over or drilling), the cylindrical access envelope between
the well slot and the top deck hatch cover has to be large enough to allow for running of
conductor and subsequent installation of wellhead and X-mas tree / retrieval of same.
Engineering & Construction is responsible for the work related to the rig and well access and
create the required work packages for execution of the work. This includes removal of any
obstructions of temporary character to satisfy minimum clearance requirements, however, the
Drilling Superintendent / Focal Point shall notify the relevant department in due time for the work
to be initiated.
For any rig to be positioned at a platform location, NOC Geomatics shall check for any
interference between the rig and the platform structure and verify actual distances with the rig at
the final position.
13.1 Safety Zones

Safety zones have been established to control operations within 500 m of each platform
complex and within 1500 m of each SPM.
For details on safety zones and other restricted zones, refer to the NOC Marine Control
standard.
13.2 Wellhead Platforms AS-D-A, AS-F-A, AS-H-A and AS-I-A

The above wellhead platforms are in principle unmanned and have no helicopter landing decks.
Except for wellhead platform AS-I-A, all of these have temporary accommodation facilities
installed and are generally manned.
This may have implications on the personnel requirement for the rig. This will, however, be
identified in the Site Specific SIMOPS document for the project.
Rig Move Procedure
13.3 Wellhead Platforms SA-D-A and SA-F-A

The first wells on these locations were drilled before installation of the platform. With the
platform in place, the position of these wellheads became slightly misaligned with the platform.
In order to get access to these wells with the main hatch cover in place, a special purpose hatch
misalignment frame for the hatch cover need to be installed. Note, this applies to the two outer
wells only.
The frame is stored in the pipe yard and has been assigned SAP No. 199109132.
It should be noted that, due to the extended time periods between being used, the frame, pad
eyes and the four-legged sling might need to be inspected and re-certified prior to being sent
offshore.
13.4 Wellhead Platform IA

There is a known issue with the fire water supply on AS-I-A platform (no fire water pump
installed), which require the rig to accommodate for the fire water to the platform. Generally, no
rigs have the required capacity and hardware to provide this service so extensive planning
(budgets, engineering and third party involvement) is required well in advance of the rig moving
into location – should this be absolutely unavoidable.
Rig Move Procedure
13.5 Wellhead Platforms AS-B-A and AS-C-A

Due to a 24” gas line / compressor module on the top platform deck on wellhead platforms AS-
B-A and AS-C-A, general access to the inner row of wells (1 – 6) with a drilling rig may be
limited, depending on the actual geometry of the drilling package, in particular the distance from
the rotary table to the most aft end of the drilling package. The actual distances from the
protruding structures on those two platforms to the inner row well centre are ±9.5 m as opposed
to the minimum required rig clearance envelope of 12.5 m given in this direction.
13.6 Wellhead Locations Details
Rig Move Procedure
Rig Move Procedure
14. LESSONS LEARNED

Following the rig move operations, all relevant documentation and reports shall be collected and
filed. It is the responsibility of the Drilling Superintendent / Designate to ensure review of the rig
move is performed and subsequently documented.
Rig Move Procedure
15. APPENDICES
15.1 APPENDIX A: Rig Move Checklist Summary
A check list summarizing relevant information pertaining to the planning phase of the rig move shall be prepared by the Drilling
Superintendent / Focal Point, verified by the NOC Drilling Operations Manager and subsequently approved by the NOC Drilling
& Wells Manager. The approval is a condition for commencing the rig move operations.
Subject /
Phase Action Remarks Responsible Status
Equipment
Source 3 suitable vessels with competent crew. To be a Company Marine

1. Planning AHT Deliver / Arrange
arranged by Marine Logistics Logistics
Provide the specifications for and subsequently approve

Company Marine
1. Planning AHT Specification the actual vessels, however, in agreement with the Rig
Logistics
Contractor / Tow Master.
Bollard Pull Analysis: Provide proof of adequate bollard

pull for both move and positioning within the given
1. Planning AHT Deliver / Arrange Rig Manager
weather criteria and with due consideration to the
prevailing currents in the area (strength, direction).
Location Certificate of Approval (CoA).

A rig / site specific penetration analysis including spudcan
1. Planning CoA Deliver / Arrange Rig Manager
penetration curves for each spudcan, with reference to the
relevant geotechnical site investigation.
Rig assessment / suitability; Can the rig access the

1. Planning Drawing Set Verify DSI
intended slots. Any platform restrictions?
This document is proprietary to North Oil Company and contains confidential information which may not be reproduced, stored, disclosed or transmitted to any third party, without the prior written consent of North Oil Company.
Rig Move Procedure
Provide all the relevant rig move drawings. These will

consist of position drawings at the platform with relative
distances (with rig, rig move vessels, mooring ropes, etc.
superimposed), elevation drawings, stand-off position
drawings, bathymetry drawings, surveyed area drawings, Company
1. Planning Drawing Set Deliver / Arrange
helicopter approach angle drawings, rig-to-platform Geomatics
access (stairs, bridge), other drawings relevant to the
particular move.
Provide Field-SIMOPS plan and check for any conflicting

operations in the field and en-route to new location Company
1. Planning Field SIMOPS Deliver / Arrange (platform/shipyard). Geomatics
Obtain Insurance underwriters approval.

Note: Usually provided by the same company that
1. Planning Insurance Deliver / Arrange provides the Towmaster. Rig Manager
Level-2 Risk Assessment (L2-RA Spreadsheet) for moving

off, and onto, Production platforms.
1. Planning Level-2 RA Deliver / Arrange Must be done with involvement from Drilling & Wells, DSI
Production Operations, Facilities & Projects (F&P), Marine
Operations and the Rig Contractor / Tow Master.
Rig Move Procedure
Rig Contractor to obtain a specific punch-through

assessment in the event of a potential punch through or
rapid penetration including an analysis of the rig’s ability to
withstand the imposed stresses under simulated
1. Planning PTA Deliver / Arrange conditions at the agreed draft. Rig Manager
It is imperative to have accurate spud-can penetration
values, which depend on accurate water depth (in terms of
LAT), and hence seabed reference.
Obtain third party verification of the predicted spudcan

1. Planning PTA Deliver / Arrange DSI
penetration curves.
Company SME (Subject Matter Expert) to perform an

independent review of the rig move plan and procedures
(including SSA, CoA, PTA, third-party assessment).
1. Planning PTA Deliver / Arrange SME shall ultimately decide and approve, or not, the rig DSI
move.
Rig move personnel:

• The Rig Move Procedures must clearly describe roles
and responsibilities of the involved personnel prior-to
1. Planning RMP Specification /during to move. Rig Manager
• As positioning of the rig may take more than 12 hours it
is essential that all functions are manned 24hr to enable
continuous operation.
Seabed Debris removal at final position and the stand-off

Seabed Surface location. Company Marine
1. Planning Deliver / Arrange
Survey Note: this usually done by the ROV at the same time as Logistics
the survey.
Rig Move Procedure
Debris removal report and Bathymetry Survey report at

Seabed Surface Company
1. Planning Deliver / Arrange final position and the stand-off location.
Survey Geomatics
Forward report to Rig Manager and Tow Master.
Seabed Debris Survey and Bathymetry Survey report at

Seabed Surface final position and the stand-off location. Company
1. Planning Deliver / Arrange
Survey Survey report to also define the standby location. Geomatics
Forward to RM and Tow Master.
Shallow gas is not considered to be a problem in Al

Shaheen, shallow gas surveys shall be performed on
Confirm locations without known history (stand-alone locations,
1. Planning Shallow Gas DSI
requirements locations outside Al Shaheen).
All platform shut-down requirements will be defined in the

Shut-in
1. Planning Deliver / Arrange L2 RA, rig move meeting MoM (ref. Appendix C) and the DSI
Requirements
Bridging Document-SIMOPS.
Now called Bridging Document - SIMOPS Documents and

included the new TRA procedure. Same document to
SIMOPS include the well-specific information (i.e. adjacent wells,
1. Planning Deliver / Arrange DSI
Rig/Platform heavy lift constraints etc)
Company SME (Subject Matter Expert) to review and

approve SSA, CoA, PTA, third-party assessment.
1. Planning SME Ruling Deliver / Arrange DSI
SME shall ultimately decide and approve, or not, the rig
move.
Rig Move Procedure
Soft lines on Platform.

Confirm Company Marine
1. Planning AHT Confirm requirement for soft lines to be installed on
requirements Logistic
Platform for control of rig movement.
Establish need for support vessel, e.g. if pennant need to

Confirm
1. Planning AHT be passed under bridges or similar. If support vessel is DSI
requirements
required inform Marine Logistics department accordingly.
Company Geomatics team shall define the personnel and

equipment requirement for the specific project and Company
1. Planning Surveying service Specification mobilize same to Doha. Geomatics
Company Survey Representative, either from Company Company

1. Planning Surveying service Deliver / Arrange
Geomatics, or contracted by same. Geomatics
Confirm weather conditions (wind & sea/swell) and time-

window requirements for:
• Move off platform
Confirm • Transit
1. Planning RMP Rig Manager
requirements • Soft pin area
• At destination
1. Planning RMP Deliver / Arrange Procedure how RPD is monitored Rig Manager
Procedure for determination of actual water depth, air gap

/ draft and the position of the spudcan tips relative to the
1. Planning RMP Deliver / Arrange sea bed prior to commencing the pre-loading operations. Rig Manager
This procedure is to make reference to spreadsheet
provided by Geometrics and the use of GPS.
Rig Move Procedure
Pre-load procedures detailing:

• Step by step procedure complete with calculations
and tidal graphs detailing how correct pre-load (draft)
is been maintained as the tide is falling / rising.
• Tank order and pumping speed.
• How to ensure that the correct amount of pre-load is
taken.
1. Planning RMP Deliver / Arrange Rig Manager
• How to monitor actual penetration for early detection of
deviations from simulated penetration curves,
• Criteria for stopping / suspending the pre-loading
operation.
• How dead volumes in the pre-load tanks are taken into
account prior to proceeding with the pre-load of the next
leg.
RMP to address Company requirements:

• Min. 15 m distance between any pipeline and the
1. Planning RMP Deliver / Arrange Rig Manager
spudcans at any stage of the rig move operations.
• Min. 25 m when passing pipeline during tow.
Inform Engineering & Construction department of the

requirement to remove / disconnect ESD/MAC/Strobe and
ESD & Fiber Optic fiber optic cable at current location, and installation of
1. Planning Notify DSI
cable same at destination.
Any deviations from agreed and signed Pre-load

procedures must be obtained through the NOC DS / Focal
1. Planning RMP Deliver / Arrange Point and the Rig Contractor’s onshore authority. Rig Manager
This requirement shall also be reflected in the Rig
Contractor’s RMP.
Rig Move Procedure
Inspect tow vessels and equipment and verify they meet

Company specifications. Tow Master to take part in the Company Marine
2. Preparation AHT Inspection inspection and sign off on same. Logistics
Provide Company Marine Logistics representative

minimum 7 day notice for hiring / inspecting rig move
2. Preparation AHT Notify vessels prior to rig move. DSI
Company Rig Mobilize executing Company Marine

2. Preparation Mobilise (third-party) Rig Move Advisor to the rig.
Move Advisor party Logistics
Deep-well pumps:
• Confirm operational and back-up available.
• Complete sets of hoses / lines to be available for each
leg simultaneously.
2. Preparation Pre-move checks Deliver / Arrange • Final checks to be done (again) a few days before the Rig OIM
move
Provide weekly Field SIMOPS plan and review against Company

2. Preparation Field SIMOPS Deliver / Arrange
planned rig move for conflict Geomatics
Rig Move Procedure
Check rig move route/timing etc. with planned activities

around shipyard.
2. Preparation Field SIMOPS Verify Rig Manager
Be cognisant about planned activities around Al Shaheen

field & shipyard.
2. Preparation Field SIMOPS Verify Tow Master
Jacking System:
• Confirm mechanical and electrical maintenance of the
jacking system, including any fail safe systems, are fully
2. Preparation Pre-move checks Deliver / Arrange up to date and operational. Rig OIM
• Final checks to be done (again) a few days before the
move.
Preload tanks:
• Confirm calibrations and sensors.
2. Preparation Pre-move checks Deliver / Arrange • Final checks to be done (again) a few days before the Rig OIM
move.
Rig Move Procedure
Conduct Pre-move meeting onshore with all concerned

parties, to discuss;
- Draft RMP
Pre-move meeting - Site details
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange - Vessel specifications (if known at the time of the DSI
onshore
meeting)
- Relevant drawings
Pre-move meeting Minute the Pre-move meeting.

2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange DSI
onshore Ensure all MOM signed off by participants.
All parties to be provided with sufficient notice for

expected move date and ETA at new location.
Any change shall be conveyed to all parties.
Rig Move Date /
2. Preparation Notify DSI
Timing Relevant parties:
Company: OIM, Prod. Spv, Marine Logistics, (IT
department).
Contractors: RM, OIM, Tow Master
Issue RMP (Rig Move Procedures) incorporating all

2. Preparation RMP Deliver / Arrange comments from relevant parties. Rig Manager
Company
2. Preparation Route Map Deliver / Arrange Issue route map to Tow Master.
Geomatics
Provide brief summary of plan including expected times

Shut-in for each operation and restrictions (e.g. Time to jack down
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange DSV
Requirements and check WTI = xx hrs, Time to work legs free = xx hrs.
etc...)
Rig Move Procedure
At current location:
Well Services to ensure that no wells have known integrity
Shut-in issues that could impede the timely shut-in requirements
2. Preparation Verify (Closed-in, the SCSSV closed, tubing and casing DSI
Requirements
depressurised) as defined in the Rig Move MOM.
At destination location:
Well Services to ensure that no wells have known integrity
Shut-in issues that could impede the timely shut-in requirements
2. Preparation Verify (Closed-in, the SCSSV closed, tubing and casing DSI
Requirements
depressurised) as defined in the Rig Move MOM.
At current location: Confirm no known integrity issues that

could impede the timely shut-in requirements of the
Shut-in process facility (applicable Production flow lines and Field Ops
2. Preparation Verify
Requirements manifolds) as defined in the Rig Move MOM. Representative
At destination location: Confirm no known integrity issues

that could impede the timely shut-in requirements of the
Shut-in process facility (applicable Production flow lines and Field Ops
2. Preparation Verify
Requirements manifolds) as defined in the Rig Move MOM. Representative
• Liaise with Platform OIM on when to close-in wells prior
Shut-in
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange to freeing legs. DSV
Requirements
• Optimize shut-in notice to minimize the production
deferment.
Rig Move Procedure
Shut-in • Liaise with Platform OIM on when to close-in wells prior
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange to final approach. DSV
Requirements
At current location: Coordinate installation with Marine

Soft lines on Operations department.
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange Install prior to the actual rig move. DSV
Platform
At destination location: Coordinate installation with Marine

Soft lines on Operations department.
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange Install prior to the actual rig move. DSV
Platform
Spudcan jetting system:

• Ensure fully operational and that all dump valves have
2. Preparation Pre-move checks Deliver / Arrange been serviced / tested. Rig OIM
• Blinds installed.
Stability Programme pre-checks:

Final checks to be done (again) a few days before the
2. Preparation Pre-move checks Deliver / Arrange move Barge Engineer
Rig Move Procedure
Mobilize executing Logistics

2. Preparation Surveying service Survey crew and equipment (Fugro) to rig.
party Coordinator
Mobilize executing Company Survey Representative, either from Company Logistics

2. Preparation Surveying service
party Geomatics, or contracted by same. Coordinator
Towing gear:
• Ensure certificates for all towing gear, smith brackets and
anchor winches / wires and associated equipment are
2. Preparation Pre-move checks Deliver / Arrange valid and the equipment tested and in good order. Rig OIM
• Confirmation to be forwarded to Company in writing.
Provide details for means of communication (Telephone,

VHF, Satellite phone) with key personnel after Company
communication lines have been disconnected.
VHF channel to be agreed upon, satellite number to the
2. Preparation Communications Deliver / Arrange Rig must be stipulated herein. DSV
Rig to always have CH 69 available.
Ensure Thuraya sat-phone on-board and operational.

2. Preparation Communications Verify Program telephone with emergency/key contacts. Charger DSV
available? PIN and PUK codes?
At current location: Coordinate with Platform OIM or OTL

for platform Electrician to disconnect ESD/MAC/Strobe
ESD & Fiber Optic Mobilize executing and fiber optic cable and removal of hardware.
2. Preparation DSV
cable party Note: For unmanned platforms (e.g. IA-platform), the
Electrician / Multi-Tech will need to be mobilized ahead of
time.
Rig Move Procedure
At destination location: Coordinate with Platform OIM or

OTL for platform Electrician to install ESD/MAC/Strobe
and fiber optic cable and hardware.
ESD & Fiber Optic Mobilize executing Note: For unmanned platforms (e.g. IA-Platform ), the
2. Preparation DSV
cable party Electrician / Multi-Tech will need to be mobilized ahead of
time.
At current location: Prepare work-pack for removal and

ESD & Fiber Optic Engineering &
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange disconnect of ESD/MAC/Strobe, fiber optic cable and
cable Construction
hardware, at least 2 weeks in advance of rig move.
At destination: Prepare work-pack for installation of

ESD/MAC/Strobe, fiber optic cable and hardware, and
ESD & Fiber Optic installation of same at destination, at least 2 weeks in Engineering &
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange
cable advance of rig move. Construction
Tethering to rig: The rig will be jacked down to floating

draft and hull integrity checked.
Prior to lowering the hull into the water, the lead tug must
3. Move-off AHT Deliver / Arrange be tethered to the rig. Tow Master
Before working the legs free, all 3 vessels shall be
tethered.
Rig Move Procedure
Clear, undisturbed and effective radio communication is of

the outmost importance during the rig move.
If clear and undisturbed radio communication is not
3. Move-off Communications Verify possible it is the Tow Master’s duty to suspend the rig Tow Master
move until proper communication can be re-instated
Detailed marine-logs to be kept throughout the entire rig

Company Marine
3. Move-off Marine-logs Deliver / Arrange move, positioning and preloading.
Logistics
Tow Master to verify, confirm accurate and counter sign.
Near-By obstacles / activity checks:

Vessel Captains to be made aware of any Nearby
Pre-move meeting Obstructions, pipelines, cables etc. at current
3. Move-off Deliver / Arrange Location/Platform, also including any supply vessel Tow Master
offshore
mooring arrangements such as BDBs.
• Shut-in of Production wells and applicable facilities
Shut-in No action -
3. Move-off required prior to jacking down.
Requirements information only
• Raising all the legs to floating condition upon departing a
platform location shall only be carried out in daylight.
• When 36 hr notice is given by the DSV the Platform OIM

is to inform the DSV when actual shut-in of wells is
Shut-in
3. Move-off Notify scheduled to take place / when depressurisation is Platform OIM
Requirements
scheduled to start.
• The DSV to be informed once completed.
Rig Move Procedure
Documents shall be on the rig prior to commencing the rig

move;
- The final Rig Move Procedure (*)
- The Risk Assessment
- The Rig Move Meeting MoM (ref. Appendix C)
- The Site Approval Documents
Pre-move meeting - Relevant Platform Drawings as listed in the Rig Move
3. Move-off Deliver / Arrange Meeting MoM. Tow Master
offshore
- Updated Tide Tables
- Updated NOC Navigation Charts(*)
- Updated British Admiralty (BA) Navigation Charts (*)
Each rig move vessel shall as a minimum have the
documents marked (*)
Conduct Pre-move meeting offshore with all key personnel

Pre-move meeting on the rig as well as all AHT captains.
3. Move-off Deliver / Arrange Tow Master
offshore
Minute the Pre-move meeting.

Pre-move meeting Company Rig
3. Move-off Deliver / Arrange Ensure all MOM signed off by participants.
offshore Move Advisor
Forward MOM to Drilling Superintendent.
Shut-in
3. Move-off Notify Provide 36 hours, 24 hours, 12 hours and, 6 hours’ notice DSV
Requirements
to Platform OIM prior to jacking down.
Rig Move Procedure
Shut-in Inform Platform OIM when ready to jack down and prior to
3. Move-off Notify freeing legs. DSV
Requirements
Resumption of
3. Move-off Notify Inform Production when the rig is afloat, under tow, and at DSV
Production
least 50m from platform to open wells back up.
Confirm compliance with RMP requirements in terms of

acceptable weather window for the entire move, including
3. Move-off Weather Verify transit to port. Tow Master
• Disconnect the ESD/MAC/Strobe and remove associated

ESD & Fiber Optic hardware before lowering and checking the WTI. Platform
3. Move-off Rig Down
cable • Disconnect fiber optic cable just before pulling away from Electrician
platform, after jacking down and confirming WTI.
Shut-in No action - Final approach at a platform location shall only be carried
4. Move-on out in daylight.
Requirements information only
Platform and associated facilities to be shut-in prior to the

Shut-in rig commencing its final approach to position itself at the
4. Move-on Notify platform.
Requirements
Rig Move Procedure
Well Site
4. Move-on Lessons Learned Deliver / Arrange Report all Lessons Learned from Rig Move operation.
Engineer
Timeline of the rig Well Site
4. Move-on Deliver / Arrange WSE to input in the reporting system.
move Engineer
ESD & Fiber Optic Install ESD/MAC/Strobe / Fiber Optic cable and Platform
4. Move-on Deliver / Arrange
cable associated hardware at destination platform. Electrician
Before pre-load operations dimensional checks related to

the spudcan penetration calculations shall be done:
• Vertical distance from the GPS antenna to the main

deck.
4. Move-on Pre-Loading Deliver / Arrange Tow Master
• Vertical distance from the GPS antenna to the leg
reference mark.
• Centre of leg positions relative to the centre of the rig

transom.
The Surveying Company to perform independent checks

of the actual elevations / spudcan penetrations for each
leg at, as a minimum;
Company
4. Move-on Pre-Loading Deliver / Arrange
Geomatics
1. prior to pre-loading (initially when the legs are pinned
and with zero air gap),
Rig Move Procedure
2. when preloading is complete (prior to jacking) and. at

the final elevation.
The calculations are based on tide and GPS.
Company
4. Move-on Pre-Loading Deliver / Arrange Provide spudcan penetration report. See example.
Geomatics
Prior to commencing pre-loading operations

After the legs have been pinned and at the planned
elevation (either with a positive draft or at minimum air
gap), information regarding actual water depth, initial
spudcan penetrations, any RPD issues, drilling envelope
coverage and pre-load tanks actual / planned content for
4. Move-on Pre-Loading Deliver / Arrange Tow Master
each leg must be prepared by the Rig Contractor
representative and approved by the MWS and MOQ Rig
Move Advisor.
The information must be forwarded to the RM, Tow Master
onshore and NOC DS.
The check-list form is shown in document Appendix B
Rig Move Procedure
Following pre-loading operations prior to next stage

The same information as above with actual pre-load
volumes, penetrations, settlements, also including any
deviations from the plan must be prepared by the Rig
4. Move-on Pre-Loading Deliver / Arrange Contractor representative and approved by the MWS Tow Master
and NOC Rig Move Advisor.
The information must be forwarded to the RM, Tow Master
onshore and NOC DS.
The check-list is shown in document Appendix B.
Access to platform established and checked T-Card

4. Move-on Platform Access Verify DSV
system, procedures, PPE, telephone etc all in place
Production may be resumed once the rig is preloaded,

Resumption of
4. Move-on Deliver / Arrange jacked-up, and cantilever skidded out over the first well or DSV
Production
slot.
SIMOPS Combined drill with platform conducted.

4. Move-on Deliver / Arrange DSV
Rig/Platform Drill deemed acceptable?
Rig Move Procedure
Prepared by [NOC DS / Focal Point]:
Verified by [NOC Drilling Operations Manager]:
Approved by [NOC Drilling & Wells Manager]:
Rig Move Procedure
15.2 APPENDIX B: Rig Move Checklist Preload
Rig Status:
Time & Date
Position / Drilling Envelope Acceptable Yes No

Comments
Water Depth (ft)
Initial Elevation (at 0 Air Gap) Port Leg SB Leg Fwd Leg
Leg Lengths Below Hull (ft)
Initial Elevation (ft)
Comments:
Port Leg SB Leg Fwd. Leg

Planned Spudcan Reaction (kips)
Expected Penetration Range (ft)
Preload Tank Data - Port Leg:

Capacity Initial Planned Actual Tank Sounding
# Tank Name (bbl) volume (bbl) volume (bbl) Volume (bbl) (in)
Preload Tank Data - STB Leg:
Rig Move Procedure

Preload Tank Data - Fwd Leg:

Final Elevations: Port Leg SB Leg Fwd Leg

Leg Lengths Below Hull (ft)
Final Penetration (ft)
Any settlements, other comments:
Port Leg SB Leg Fwd Leg

Final Spudcan Reaction (kips)
Position Name Signature

Rig Contractor
Prepared By: BE/OIM
Verified By: MWS
NOC Rig Move
Verified By: Advisor
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

Agenda / Minutes of Meeting
[Rig name], [From ... To ... ]
15.3 APPENDIX C: Rig Move Minutes of Meeting

Rig Move Meeting, Agenda / Minutes of Meeting
Activity:
Venue:
Meeting Date:
Latest Estimate for the Move:
Name Company & Position Name Company & Position
Page 1 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

INDEX SECTION Page No.
1.0 Summary of Action Points 3

2.0 Existing Location / Platform & Moving Off 4
3.0 Marine & Rig Move 13
4.0 New Location / Platform 18
5.0 Moving Onto New Location / Platform 24
6.0 Production – Drilling Interface & AOB 32
7.0 Listing of Drawings 34
Page 2 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

1.0 SUMMARY OF ACTION POINTS
Reference Description Responsibility Completed
Page 3 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.0 EXISTING LOCATION / PLATFORM & MOVING OFF ACTIONS

2.1 Notification of Rig Move All parties to be provided with sufficient notice prior to rig move. The
Expected move date and ETA at new platform. latest estimate for the rig move is the [Expected rig move date]
Further Action(s): Action responsible: [ID / Name] Action Status: Open / Closed
a) Any change shall be conveyed by the Drilling
Superintendent / Focal Point to all parties.
2.2 Current Platform Name/Co-ordinates/Drawing Name of Platform [Name], drawing references:

Platform and coordinates to be provided. List relevant drawings.
Datum position and orientation:
[Insert easting]
[Insert northing]
[Insert orientation, grid & true]
Page 4 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.3 Current Rig Status etc. Rig jacked up to [xx m] air gap in [xx m] (LAT) water depth.
Leg penetrations:
- Bow: [x.x m]
- Stb: [x.x m]
- Port: [x.x m]
2.4 Nearby Obstructions, Pipelines, Cables etc. at Current Explain any possible obstructions at present position and planned stand-off
Location/Platform. position, also state the opposite, as relevant.
Also including any supply vessel mooring
arrangements such as HBBs.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.5 Freeing legs at present location. The rig will be jacked down to floating draft, hull integrity checked and the legs verified to
be free one by one [further summary as relevant].
Rig move vessel arrangement.
Tug boats will be arranged as follows:
Pre-checks & certification on all Anchors / Pendant / Tow
Wires / Anchor winches / Anchor winch wires etc. Explain vessel arrangements, ref. [drawing name / ID].
a) [Rig Contractor] to ensure spudcan jetting system is
fully operational and that all dump valves have
been serviced / tested and blinds have been
installed.
b) [Rig Contractor] to ensure all certificates on all
towing gear, smith brackets and anchor winches /
wires and associated equipment are valid and
the equipment tested and in good order.
Confirmation to be forwarded to NOC in writing.
c) Drilling Superintendent / Focal Point to give NOC
Marine Operations representative [Unique ID]
minimum 7 day notice for hiring / inspecting rig
move vessels prior to rig move.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.6 Pre-Move Meetings It is the Tow Master’s duty to conduct pre-move meetings with all key personnel on the rig
as well as with the tug boat captains prior to the rig move taking place. In these meetings
the rig move plans must be explained in detail as well as the risks associated with the
move, connecting AHTS, positioning, pre-loading etc. The roles and responsibilities and
what is expected of involved key personnel during the move must be highlighted in this
meeting, and it must be ensured that all understand their part. In addition, the respective
Power Charts and prevailing environmental consideration shall be reviewed by the boat
captains and Tow Master.
The pre-move meetings must be documented with MoM and signed off by participants.
The MoM must be forwarded to NOC.
a) Tow Master to conduct pre-move meetings, ensure
MoM’s are taken and signed off by attendees and
delivered to the NOC DSV onboard.
b) Minutes will be taken by NOC Rig Move Advisor and/or Tow

Master.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.7 Shut-in Requirements Prior to Jacking Down, Explain main points – extracts from SIMOPS, TRA and RMP as applicable.
Freeing Legs & Moving Off Platform
As per NOC SIMOPS documents.
Detailed planning will be done by Production, S/D plan
will be evaluated and must be communicated clearly how
and when wells can be de-isolated.
a) DSV to inform Production upon completion of the
skidding operations and when the rig is ready to jack
down, with the notification period as summarised in
point 2.9.
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RIG MOVE MEETING

2.8 Communication Platform CCR / O.I.M: VHF Channel 69

Rig Radio Room: VHF Channel 69
Telephone:
Telephone / VHF / satellite phone. Telephone:
E-mail:
VHF channel to be agreed upon, satellite number to the Fax:
Rig must be stipulated herein. Rig to always have CH 69 E-mail:
available Al Shaheen OTC: VHF Channel 69
Tel: Satellite phone (Thuraya)
E-mail: Rig OIM:
Telephone:
NOC Drilling Supervisor: VHF Channel 69 E-mail:
Telephone:
Clear, undisturbed and effective radio
E-mail:
Satellite phone (Thuraya): communication is of the outmost
importance during the rig move. If
Rig Radio Room: VHF Channel 69 clear and undisturbed radio
Telephone: communication is impossible; it is the Tow
Fax: Master’s duty to suspend the rig move until
E-mail: proper communication can be re-instated.
Satellite phone (Thuraya)
Page 9 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.9 Timing for Moving Off Platform & Opening Back 24 hours, 12 hours and 6 hours notice to be given to platform OIM prior to
up the Wells. jacking down:
Notice Period for Moving Off Platform.
Points to consider and address: Brief summary of plan including expected times for each operationand
Expected duration to free legs? restrictions.
Shut down activities planned duringtherig move and requirements for
When are the wells to be opened-up?
production access to wellhead platform to be identified prior to rig move.
Night-time restrictions in moving off?
a) DSV to liaise accordingly with Production. DSV
b) DSV to inform Production when rig is finally
under tow. DSV
c) When 24 hr notice is given from the DSV the

OIM
Platform OIM is to inform the DSV when actual shut-
in of wells is scheduled to take place, when
depressurisation is scheduled to start. The DSV
must finally be informed when the activities are
actually starting.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.10 Weather Criteria for Rig Move. It is by experience in the Al-Shaheen field possible that a wind driven current at times
may exist, hence possibly causing a delay between time of slack tide as stated in the
tide tables and when the slack tide actually set in.
The weather criteria for this rig move to take place are specified in the RMP as follows:
Wind: Max. XX knots
Sea / swell: Less than X ft during slack tide.
a) [Rig Contractor] to confirm weather criteria.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

2.11 Personnel Representation on Rig Prior to During the rig move from the current location, the following people will be on the rig
Move. (minimum requirement):
As positioning of the rig may take more than 12 hours, it 1 x Tow Master, 1 x Warranty Surveyor, 1 x Contractor Rig Manager, 1 x Rig Contractor
is essential that all functions are manned to enable Barge Engineer, 2 x NOC DSV, 3 x (Third Party) Surveyors (1 on Platform), 1 x NOC
continuous operation. Survey Representative, 1 x NOC Rig Move Advisor, 1 x (Third Party) H2S Supervisor.
It should be noted that a second Tow Master, if required, The Rig Move Procedures provided by the [Rig Contractor] must clearly describe roles
cannot be the Warranty Surveyor. and responsibilities of the involved personnel.
Since positioning / preloading of the rig may take more than 12 hours, and the
preloading potentially several days, it is essential that all functions are manned to enable
continuous 24-hour operation.
a) [Rig Contractor] to ensure 24-hour coverage
For all key personnel required during
positioning and preloading.
b) NOC Geomatics to arrange for survey personnel and
equipment to rig and platform.
Drilling Superintendent / Focal Point / DSV will
mobilize as required.
c) Drilling Superintendent / Focal Point / DSV
will mobilize the Rig Move Advisor to the rig.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

3.0 MARINE & RIG MOVE ACTIONS

3.1 Rig Move Procedures The following documents to be issued to NOC:
- [Rig Contractor] to provide Rig Move Procedures [Document ID]
For moving off the current location, and for the tow to [Location / Platform Name], the
following conditions must prevail for the next [xx hours]:
- Favourable conditions for moving off present location
- Max [xx knots] winds
- Associated sea/swell of less than [x ft]
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

3.2 AHTs Approval (in line with MCP), quantities / types Tentative vessel names and bollard pulls for the move:
Agree requirements with Rig Contractor for rig move. List actual vessels and bollard pull for each vessel
The minimum bollard pull for the lead tug to be reconfirmed
by the assessment made by Tow Master based on rig
Note: NOC is responsible for providing the necessary AHTS for the infield
dimensions and prevailing sea states.
moves. As such, NOC Marine will need maximum notice.
Bollard Pull certification shall only be valid for 3 years (as
required in NOC MCP).
3.3 Anchor / Buoys / Pendants Explain, if applicable.

Who provides what?
Page 14 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

Latest revision of Al Shaheen Field Charts will be used as background on the navigation
3.4 Navigational & Pipeline Charts for Al Shaheen Field
computers and Helmsman display. The distance for this move is approx. [xx NM] and is
Legs must remain a min of 25 m above any seabed
expected to take [xx hours].
restriction.
NOC Surveyors shall be onboard the rig to navigate through the field.
As per the MCP, before leaving the surveyed stand-off location, the legs shall be raised
and maintained at a minimum of 25 m clearance from the seabed to ensure clearing any
pipelines or seabed structures.
[Rig Contractor] to arrange own weather forecasting if deemed necessary, over and
above the daily weather forecasts that NOC can provide.
a) NOC Geomatics to arrange for equipment and
personnel. To be mobilised to the rig in
agreement with the DSV.
3.5 Personnel Restriction During Move Explain, if applicable.

Does the rig warranty require de-manning etc.?
Page 15 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

3.6 Customs / Immigration Clearance of Rig & personnel.

Explain, if applicable.
3.7 Communication Ref. item 1.8.
3.8 Adjacent Activity There appears to be a recent directive from the authorities on providing
navigational warnings of pending rig-moves via local papers, however, this process is
Platform / Other Rig / Barges, etc.
ambiguous at present.
a) DSV to ensure all parties informed accordingly,
including OTC.
b) NOC Marine to provide navigational warnings, if
deemed necessary.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

3.9 Documentation of Rig Move Operations A proper detailed marine log should be kept by a dedicated person(s) during the entire
rig move, positioning and preloading. It must be kept updated at all times. It must be
delivered to NOC upon request and a copy handed over to NOC after the rig move.
a) Detailed marine logs to be kept by NOC Rig Move
Advisor, as well as by [Rig Contractor] representative
(Barge Engineer).
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

4.0 NEW LOCATION – PLATFORM ACTIONS

4.1 Coordinates for Rig and New Platform Name. Platform [Name]
Proposed Rig Position, Drawing references:
List relevant drawings.
Datum position and orientation:
[Insert easting]
[Insert northing]
[Insert orientation, grid & true]
Water depth at Proposed Rig Position: [xxx m LAT]
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

4.2 Seabed Hazard Surveys ROV Debris Survey

Copy of result for review? Refer to report [Document ID] and date for survey.
Are there issues for further action, debris removal? Describe surveyed area, and any findings as relevant.
Clearance reports?
Report(s) issued to [Rig Contractor] on [insert date].
4.3 Geotechnical Survey Geotechnical Investigations for [Platform Name]

Copy of result for review? Refer to report [Document ID] and date for survey.
Brief summary of methodology.
Brief summary of results.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

4.4 SNAME Location Approval from Rig Contractor / SNAME Report:

Underwriters
[Document name / ID]
Location Approval:
[Document name / ID]
4.5 Platform Rows / Wells to be Reached Explain which slots to be reached.

(Position)
See drawing Ref: [Drawing name / ID]
Investigate if any back-up plan will be prepared prior to
In order for the currently planned well(s) to be accessed, the rig position
rig move should the desired target not be reached
tolerance is:
(Project team input).
Heading: [± x.xº]
Consider tolerance given rig envelope, planned
heading, and distance from platform Longitudinally: [+ x.xx m / - x.xx m]
Transversely: [+ x.xx m / - x.xx m]
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

4.6 Platform / Rig Interface Check Explain briefly the planned position in relation to the platform, skidded out and ready on
all planned wells.
Refer to position and elevation drawings and
evaluate whether interference / issues with the rig See drawing [Relevant drawing name / ID]
positioned at the target location.
Main deck needs to be cleared of any Production equipment / supplies stored in the
Obtain pictures and drawings of the site. vicinity of the rig envelope.
Such issues could be: hand rails, deluge piping, cables, Describe any obstructions which need to be removed prior to the rig arrival.
process piping, scaffolding etc.
a) Production to ensure main deck envelope is clear
prior to rig move.
4.7 Zone Classification Check between Rig / Platform Reference drawings:

Present zone classification drawings of platform and rig List relevant drawings.
at the meeting.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

4.8 Rig to Platform Access Describe stairs and position.
a) [Rig Contractor] to ensure stairs are ready for early
deployment once in final position.
b) Production (construction) to be prepared to remove
relevant handrails if deemed necessary for installing
the access stairway.
4.9 Helideck Inspection, Final Rig Heading, Describe, including any obstructions, if relevant.
Inspections & Flight Angles.
The helicopter approach angle is depicted in drawing ref. [Drawing Name / ID]
Flight angle requirement 210°.
a) NOC DSV to report coordinates, incl. heading, to
be reported as soon as possible after final
positioning at the platform.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

4.10 Supply Vessel Mooring Arrangements Since we have DP vessels, there should be no need for a BDB. However, the
position for a BDB, if required, is depicted in the drawing:
Do we have a Hold Back Buoy (HBB), when is it to be
installed? [Drawing name / ID]
Prevailing currents/wind favourable? Include any planned acid stimulation.
Preferred side for supply vessels?
4.11 Platform Visit by Rig Contractor Explain, if relevant
4.12 Platform / Crane Restrictions Explain, if relevant
Page 23 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.0 MOVING ONTO NEW LOCATION/PLATFORM ACTIONS

5.1 Notice Period for Moving On Platform [Rig Contractor] / DSV to give 24 hours, 12 hours and 6 hours notice prior to
commencing the final approach.
Brief summary of the plan, including expected times for each operation and any
restrictions.
New location / platform:
Platform OIM / HLO
Telephone:
E-mail:
VHF Channel 69
Ref. item 2.8 for other relevant contact numbers.
a) DSV to liaise accordingly with Production.
5.2 Stand-Off Location Position The Stand-Off position is within the [xxx m x xxx m] surveyed area, ref. [Drawing name
/ ID].
a) Approval to enter the 500 m exclusion zone during
darkness to be stated in the TRA.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.3 Anchor Positions and / or Bridge Constraints Explain, if applicable.

Drawing must be available for review of anchor positions
against pipe lines, cables etc.
Do we need soft-lines installed on the platform
legs/bollards to attach the rig’s winch lines?
5.4 Other Obstructions, Pipelines, Cables etc Explain, if applicable.

Proximity of rig to pipelines, cables, etc. to be evaluated
against SIMOPS requirements and MCP
during the move, and if deemed necessary,
pipelines etc. to be closed-in and depressurized, and/or
monitoring systems deployed.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.5 Drawings of Spudcan holes Relative Spudcan Positions:

Copy of drawings to be available for evaluation, if any Proposed position, ref. [Drawing name / ID]
problems are arising due to old spudcan holes, Bathymetry Drawings:
precautions must be taken, and a plan must be
presented. Proposed Position (Bathymetry), ref. [Drawing name / ID]
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.6 Strong Current / Time of Day Strong currents of up to [X knots] can be experienced at this location, but whether to wait
for slack tide or not shall be at the discretion of the Tow Master.
Wait on slack tide to move rig in?
A possible delay between the actual change of tide / currents and the tide tables have to
Do we move in during daylight only?
be taken into account by the Tow Master.
Below are details for access to real-time weather observations in the Al Shaheen Field
through the Internet:
Internet Link: www.fugroweather.com
The observations include real-time wave height, wave direction, wave period, current
speed/direction, wind speed/gust/direction, temperature, pressure and humidity.
Maersk Oil Qatar AS employees can access similar web-pages / data via the Maersk Oil
Qatar AS Intranet (no login/password) or direct via the following Intranet Link:
In the event the data cannot be accessed from the rig, this can be obtained from Al
Shaheen OTC (Tel: +974 4401 2804 or VHF Ch. 69).
Page 27 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.7 Final Rig Approach to Platform/ Rig The rig shall first be soft-pinned at the stand-off location within the survey area with its
Positioning stern to the platform, ref. [Drawing name / ID]
Final position, ref. [Drawing name / ID]
Positioning will include High-Precision DGPS and Gyrocompass.
Total Station, Gyrocompass and SR Lasers will be used for the final approach in order to
ensure accurate positioning relative to the platform structure and wells to be reached.
Minimum 1 surveyor will be located on the platform.
Helmsman display will be available at the stern of the rig and in the jacking control room.
TMS for lead tow vessel.
NOTE:
No rig manoeuvre outside what has been planned and included in the rig move
procedures and have been fully risk assessed with respect to loss of control must take
place during the rig move without performing a separate risk assessment. This includes
“walking the rig”. Such a risk assessment should be carried out by the tow master and the
key rig move personnel offshore and approved by NOC and rig contractor management
onshore prior to the operation taking place.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.8 Shut-In Requirements at New Platform The initial move onto the platform will only be conducted during daylight, thereafter
final positioning and preloading can be continued through the night.
Points to consider and address:
Summarize shut down plan as per TRA and SIMOPS.
Night-time restrictions in moving on?
Production requires [xx hours] notice in order to close in the above wells as described.
What is to be closed-in (wells, flow-lines, risers etc).
Page 29 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.9 Final Rig Positioning Positioning will include High-Precision DGPS and Gyrocompass.
Total Station, Gyrocompass and SR Lasers will be used for the final approach in order to
ensure accurate positioning relative to the platform structure and wells to be reached.
Minimum 1 surveyor will be located on the platform.
Helmsman display will be available at the stern of the rig and in the jacking control room.
TMS for lead tow vessel.
3 x Surveyors (2 on the rig, 1 on platform) and a NOC Surveyor will be on the rig.
Summarize approach procedure, including vessel positions. Ref. [Drawing name / ID].
NOTE:
No rig manoeuvre outside what has been planned and included in the rig move
procedures and have been fully risk assessed with respect to loss of control must take
place during the rig move without performing a separate risk assessment. This includes
“walking the rig”. Such a risk assessment should be carried out by the tow master and the
key rig move personnel offshore and approved by NOC and rig contractor management
onshore prior to the operation taking place.
Page 30 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

5.10 Preload Procedures Preload plan agreed based on SNAME report. The latter to be reflected in both the Rig
Move Procedures and Location Approval documents.
To be discussed in detail at rig move meeting, including
any weather restrictions imposed by Rig Contractor for Summarise procedure with expected duration:
move and jacking operations. - preloading procedure
- seabed reaction
- vessel arrangements during preload
- any other relevant information
No helicopter landings permitted during preloading, once preload dumped, heli-landings
can resume.
Ref. proposed position [Drawing name / ID]
a) [Rig Contractor] to provide final copy of Rig
Move Procedures and Preload Plan along with
Underwriters approval.
5.11 Expected Leg Penetration & Intended Air Gap. Describe previous spudcan impressions, maximum / minimum depths, expected
penetrations.
RPD issues to be considered, and a plan to handle these
shall be a part of the RMP (or referred to if part of the rig’s - Bow leg [x.x m]
operational manual). - Port Leg [x.x m]
- Stbd Leg [x.x m]
Page 31 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

6.0 PRODUCTION – DRILLING INTERFACE & AOB ACTIONS

6.1 Opening Upthe Wells and Resuming Production. The wells may only be opened up once the final pre-load is completed, the rig has
jacked up to final air gap, and the cantilever skidded out and generally positioned over
Special considerations on manning requirements on the
the first well.
platform if unmanned.
a) The DSV to confirm to Production when final pre-
loading has been completed, the rig jacked-up to final air
gap, and skidding completed.
6.2 ESD (Shutdown System), Alarms, Communications Requirements for ESD, alarm and communication system is described in the SIMOPS
[Document name / ID] plan.
A minimum of two ESD push-buttons (with
protective cover) shall be rigged up by NOC E&P Describe system.
Construction.
The ESD system shall be installed and tested prior to the start of any operations.
a) Drilling Superintendent / Focal Point to initiate
subject work with Production / Construction prior to
the rig arrival.
b) DSV to liaise with Production / Construction and
NOC IT on the actual installation.
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Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

6.3 Interface Document Simultaneous Operations SIMOPS document, Ref. [Document name / ID]
(SIMOPS).
The SIMOPS document is the guiding document for the
interaction between Production and the rig, including rig
move operations.
6.4 Formal Task Risk Assessment for moving off and Brief description of the main points
onto Production platforms.
As per NOC SIMOPS documents
a) Production Support to coordinate the TRA and produce
the final TDSF/TRAF
6.6 AOB Explain, if required
Page 33 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
RIG MOVE MEETING

7.0 ASSOCIATED DRAWINGS

7.1 RELATIVE TO [Present Platform Name]
List of relevant drawings.
7.2 RELATIVE TO [New Location / Platform Name]

List of relevant drawings.
Page 34 of 34
Rig Move Procedure
15.4 APPENDIX D: Spudcan Penetration Report
Rig Move Procedure
15.5 APPENDIX E: Rig Demobilization Checklist

A check list summarizing relevant information pertaining to the planning phase of the rig demobilization move shall be prepared by the Drilling
Superintendent / Focal Point, verified by the NOC Drilling Operations Manager and subsequently approved by the NOC Drilling & Wells Manager. The
approval is a condition for commencing the rig move demobilization operations.
Subject /
Phase Action Remarks Responsible Status
Equipment
Back Down Confirm

1. Planning Verify requirement for Back Down Buoy removal / installation. DSI
Buoy requirements
Company owned 13-5/8 x 10,000 psi BOP test stump, Fast Clamp and
Cross Over; Instead of removing this equipment consider making
Confirm
1. Planning BOP Test stump agreement with Drilling Contractor for example to transfer ownership in DSI
requirements
exchange for removal of all Company or 3rd party installed cables (ESD
cables, Fibre Optic, IT / Network cables, etc..) on the rig .
Subject to specific contractual agreement for cementing services the

cement unit, including CMS system, is to be demobilized either before or
Cementing Confirm
1. Planning after rig contract termination (in the ship yard). DSI
Services requirements
Confirm requirements and if applicable request Cementing Services
contractor for a detailed demobilization plan.
Consider rig down in stages if cementing services are no longer required

but cement unit is required for pumping services.
Due to the size and position of the cement units' position, the size of the
Cementing deck hatches, and the rig crane(s) capability consider lifting the unit either
1. Planning Rig Down DSV
Services in one piece or breaking it down into suitable size-weight components for
safe lifting and handling.
Consider using the Production platform crane which might be better
positioned to make the lifts (if applicable).
Rig Move Procedure
Centrifuges (and PCP pumps) might require specialised lifting frames c/w
1. Planning Centrifuges Verify slings - verify availability. DSI
Verify lifting certification valid and in compliance with company procedures.
Drilling contractor usually requires all Company installed cables (Fibre optic,
network ), including the ones installed in all the cable ducts throughout the
accommodation module, to be removed.
Company Confirm Note that these cables are usually not re-used and can thus be scrapped.
1. Planning DSI
installed cables requirements Cost for removal of these cables (at the shipyard) is considerable. Consider
agreeing with Drilling Contractor for them to remove the cables in exchange
for the transfer of ownership of equipment (e.g. BOP test stump, shaker
screen, etc..) left behind by Company.
Company
Confirm
1. Planning Proprietary Determine whether to be shred or returned to Company warehouse. DSI
requirements
Documentation
Determine whether the Control Line sheave suspension beam installed in
Control line Confirm the derrick is to be removed or left in place. If left in place a formal
1. Planning DSI
sheave beam requirements agreement with Drilling Contractor to be made. Note that the beam design
is rig specific and most likely can't be used on other rigs.
Confirm
1. Planning Drill bits Determine if the drilling bits to be backloaded to onshore. DSI
requirements
Inform Engineering & Construction department of the required to remove

ESD & Fibre
1. Planning Notify disconnect ESD/MAC/Strobe and fibre optic cable and removal of DSI
Optic cable
hardware.
Rig Move Procedure
Verify if Drilling contractor can provide H2S protection services during

transit from current location to outside 500 meter zone. Drilling contractor
might have required equipment on-board, or will be mobilizing this to the rig
Confirm for rig demobilization. Check if the equipment is within certification.
1. Planning H2S Services DSV
requirements If Drilling contractor can provide this service, the contracted H2S service
provide can rig down and back load their equipment prior to rig move.
Determine if hard piping for the cascade system is to be removed or remain
in place.
Stimulation Hose Confirm Confirm whether the hose hanger is to be back removed and back loaded,
1. Planning DSI
Hanger requirements or left in place.
In an effort to eliminate customs clearance issues and in preparation for the

demobilization of the RCA (Aug 2016), the possibility to move off the
Surveying No action
1. Planning platform without TMS equipment was discussed with all parties involved
service Information only
(MWS, Tow Master, Rig Manager, Geometrics)
Ultimately it was agreed the equipment was required.
Agreement to be made with Drilling Contractor for transport method of the

Texas Deck. Some options;
• Ship to rig and install offshore. Either on current location or at a stand-off
Confirm
1. Planning Texas Deck location. Due to risks involved, this option will probably be least desired. DSI
requirements
Rig and AHT standby cost to be taken into account.
• Ship by road or barge to the shipyard — implications on customs
formalities for export / import to be considered.
Order CCU(s) /
basket(s) / Logistics
2. Preparation BOP Test stump
dedicated lifting Coordinator
frames
Rig Move Procedure
Order CCU(s) /
Order out baskets c/w slings as required for backload of equipment.
Casing Running basket(s) / Logistics
2. Preparation Note permanently installed power pack might require half-height basket for
Services dedicated lifting Coordinator
backload.
frames
Ensure Certification for CCU's and lifting equipment are valid and accepted
by Company Logistics at shore base.
Casing Running Check lifting Logistics
2. Preparation Order out new certified slings if required.
Services certification Coordinator
If any certification has expired, the service companies are to arrange for an
NDT inspector to be mobilized.
Order CCU(s) /
Cement basket(s) / Call out empty containers to back load cement chemicals. Logistics
2. Preparation
Chemicals dedicated lifting Cementer to advise estimated number of containers required for backload. Coordinator
frames
Order CCU(s) /
Cementing engineer to advise estimated amount of empty container(s) /
Cementing basket(s) / Logistics
2. Preparation baskets(s) required for back load. To be coordinated with Company
Services dedicated lifting Coordinator
Logistics Coordinator.
frames
Cementing Check lifting Logistics
Services certification Coordinator
Cementing Verify quantity on-board versus quantity mobilized. Resolve / highlight any Logistics
2. Preparation Inventorize
string & stinger discrepancies Coordinator
Rig Move Procedure
Order CCU(s) /
Order out centrifuge lifting frame, certified slings and baskets as required.
2. Preparation Centrifuges Ensure Certification for CCU's and lifting equipment are valid and accepted
frames
Check possibility to use contractor 'RigNet' facility for email

communications.
2. Preparation Communications Verify DSV
All Company network equipment will have been removed before the rig is
jacked down the Wi-Max will NOT be operational.
Order CCU(s) /
Company IT basket(s) / Mobilize container, bubble wrap, tape, etc., for packing and backloading Logistics
2. Preparation
Equipment dedicated lifting Company owned IT equipment. Coordinator
frames
Make a full inventory of Company owned IT equipment on-board; PC's,
printers, local server, telephone modules, wireless routers, etc.. Also
Company IT include hardware installed in service companies units (e.g. wireline and Logistics
2. Preparation Inventorize
Equipment directional drilling unit). Coordinator
Forward inventory list to Offshore IT support to allow them to plan the
removal of same.
Identify and make a detailed inventory of all Company owned equipment on

Company
2. board. Including but not limited to; Cross overs, grooved split bushings, Logistics
Owned Inventorize
Preparation gauges for drill pipe tool joints, push tools for TDS, 1502 check valves, Coordinator
Equipment
1502 hoses, riser, RCD riser, etc..
Order CCU(s) /
Company
2. Preparation Owned Order out containers / basket to back load same.
Equipment
frames
Rig Move Procedure
Retrieve and make a full inventory of all Company Proprietary documents

Company
on board both in Company and contractor(s) offices. This includes, but is Well
2. Preparation Proprietary Inventorize
not limited to; Company Procedures, Guidelines, Contracts, Programs, well Site Engineer
Documentation
files, Company issued poster and presentations posted throughout the rig.
Order CCU(s) /
Control line Logistics
2. Preparation basket(s)/dedicated Call out basket c/w slings to backload
sheave beam Coordinator
lifting frames
Provide Drilling contractor agent with required documents (manifest,

packing list, chamber of commerce attestation, copy of import
Customs documentation etc..) or any Company or third-party equipment (e.g. TMS or Logistics
formalities H2S equipment) that is shipped with the rig or AHT outside Qatari waters , Coordinator
required to obtain permissions and customs clearance. Allow time for this
process.
• AHT's and any equipment shipped with the rig or AHT to a destination
outside Qatari waters will have to be cleared by customs both in Qatar and
again at the destination.
• After completing exit clearance, AHTs need to leave Qatari waters within
48 hours.
• To avoid customs clearance issues consider transferring any remaining
Customs No action
2. Preparation equipment (e.g. TMS and H2S equipment) and personnel (e.g. Fugro, H2S
formalities Information only
supervisor) to an AHT that will not leave Qatari waters. From the AHT they
can then be transferred to another rig / platform, or back to port. During the
RCA demobilization (Aug 2016) concerns were raised by the H2S services
provider regarding the basket transfer from Rig to AHT. Therefore confirm
with relevant companies agreement with inter-field transfer by vessel in
advance.
Rig Move Procedure
Check lifting Logistics
2. Preparation DD / MWD Order out new certified slings if required.
certification Coordinator
Order CCU(s) /
Logistics
2. Preparation DD / MWD basket(s)/dedicated Vendor to provide list of equipment for back load.
Coordinator
lifting frames
Once drilling is complete call in vendor for rig down.
2. Preparation DD / MWD The technician required for rig down of 'DrillLink' comes from outside Qatar
party Coordinator
and requires advance notice to mobilize.
Rig Move Procedure
Supply Vessel Mooring Arrangements - Specific for ASRY shipyard, Bahrain

- (info dated Aug 2016)
• ASRY shipyard requires 24 hrs notice on rig’s arrival.
• Soft pin is only allowed during daylight, and ASRY shipyard only allows
move in from soft pin to quayside during daylight hours.
• ASRY shipyard only allows move in during daylight hours.
• No tidal requirement for entering ASRY yard.
• ASRY pilot will meet the rig at the pilot stations which is approximately 2
NM outside ASRY shipyard. The pilot will be responsible for taking the rig
in.
• Shipyard has a requirement to remove the rig move tugs and utilize the
No action shipyard tugs to position the rig at the quayside (during daylight only).
2. Preparation Destination Port
Information only • ASRY shipyard, Bahrain has a requirement to remove the rig move tugs
and utilize the shipyard tugs to position the rig at the quayside. Hence,
when the rig is pinned in soft pin area (only during daylight), rig move AHT's
will be released.
Weather conditions stated in the RCA demobilization (Aug 2016) RMP:

Conditions for entering ASRY shipyard standby area:
• Max 20 knots winds
• Associated sea/swell less than 5 ft
Conditions for transfer from standby area to Shipyard birth:
• Max 18 knots winds from NW, or 15 knots winds from SE
• Associated sea/swell of less than 2 ft, favourable currents
Check physical Drill Bit inventory against inventory list. Update inventory list Logistics
2. Preparation Drill bits Inventorize
if required. Coordinator
Order CCU(s) /
2. Preparation Drill bits Order out container / basket for back load.
frames
Rig Move Procedure
Drilling contractor to provide a full list of all equipment, drill pipe, drill collars,
Drilling
and any other equipment store at their yard, which is to be mobilized to the
contractor
2. Preparation Inventorize rig from contractor yard for shipping with rig to the destination port. Rig OIM
equipment to
This list has to be provided at least 2 weeks prior to rig move to allow
take on-board
Company logistics department to plan deck on available supply vessels.
Engineering
ESD & Fibre Prepare work-pack for removal and disconnect of ESD/MAC/Strobe, fibre
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange &
Optic cable optic cable and hardware at least 2 weeks in advance of rig move.
Construction
Inform and coordinate with vendor to arrange MOI personnel for demob of
the explosives bunker. Vendor to arrange MOI personnel.
Mobilize executing Explosives demobilization will require two MOI personnel to be present and Logistics
2. Preparation Explosives
party 3 days notice. Coordinator
As per vendor (Baker) MOI will be informed once an official e-mail is sent
by the DSV requesting the demobilization of the explosive bunker.
Order out new certified slings if required.
Explosives
Check lifting NDT inspector to be mobilized. Logistics
2. Preparation Bunker -
Jettison skid for
Recertification possibly difficult due to access for NDT inspection - need for
rope access?
If certification invalid/out of date consider back load in half-height basket (to
be ordered out). This might require lifting plan to lift from installed location.
Rig Move Procedure
Coordinate with Total safety onshore and arrange a second H2S supervisor
Mobilize executing to be on-board to assist with rigging down H2S equipment during the tow. Logistics
2. Preparation H2S Services
party Note: H2S protection equipment to be fully operational until outside the 500 Coordinator
meter zone.
2. Preparation H2S Services Order out new certified slings if required.
Vendor representative to advise estimated amount of empty container(s) /
baskets(s) required for back load. To be coordinated with Company
Order CCU(s) /
Logistics Coordinator.
2. Preparation H2S Services Main items for back load will be breathing air compressors and a significant
number of SCBA sets.
frames
If lifting certification is invalid/out of date consider back loading the
compressors in half-height basket.
Provide completed IMO formatted sheet listing personnel sailing with the rig
Immigration leaving Qatari water, detailing; Name, Rank, Position, Nationality, Date of Logistics
formalities Birth, Passport no/National ID, Expiry date, Seamen's Book no., Expiry Coordinator
date, Maersk ID No, Residence Permit No, Visa, Arrival Date in Qatar.
Immigration Confirm for personnel demobilized by AHT to Qatari port, the AHT will Logistics
formalities provide immigration clearance. Coordinator
Rig Move Procedure
Exit visa Qatar

• After obtaining exit visa personnel need to exit Qatari waters within 48
hours.
• If on Business visa and in Qatar for 30 days or less than 30 days less, Exit
Visa is not required.
Visit Visa Arrangements for Bahrain (info dated Aug 2016)
• Passport copy is required at least 3 working days in advance for arranging
Immigration No action
2. Preparation visit visa.
formalities Information only
• Validity can be either 7 days or 30 days (to be specified at the time of visa
request)
• Time to process the visa usually is about 2 working days. However, it can
be longer for certain nationals. Visa approval is entirely at the discretion of
immigration.
• Issued visas can be extended, if required (maximum 3 times).
• Immigration working hours 0700 hrs to 1400 hrs Sunday to Thursday only.
Drilling
Immigration Confirm / arrange with MOI that personnel do NOT need to be present in
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange Contractor
formalities person for exit visa application.
Agent
Rig Move Procedure
Certification of all CCU's and lifting equipment to be verified.

Where required new slings / lifting arrangements to be ordered out well in
advance of rig move.
If any certification has expired, or does not comply with OSP-003a / OSP-
003b (as applicable), the service companies are to arrange for an NDT
inspector to be mobilized.
Consider engaging and arranging Drilling Contractor's third-party NDT
Lifting Logistics
2. Preparation Verify inspector to perform all pad-eye inspections and request service companies
Certification Coordinator
to mobilize new lifting slings (with valid certificates).
Based on previous experience it is recommended that all lifting certification
is forwarded to Company Logistics department in town for confirmation of
acceptance.
Note that the validity of the load test has recently been shortened from
5 to 4 years, which has led to rejection of certificates that stated a load
test due date that had not yet expired.
Order CCU(s) /
Mud engineer to advise estimated amount of empty containers required for
2. Preparation Mud Chemicals back load of mud and completion chemicals, either back to town or other
rigs. To be coordinated with Company Logistics Coordinator.
frames
2. Preparation Mud Lab Order out new certified slings if required.
Rig Move Procedure
Mud Logging Check lifting Logistics
Unit certification Coordinator
Order CCU(s) /
2. Preparation PPE Order out additional Offshore bags as required.
frames
All new Shaker screens on-board to be tallied and recorded specifying Logistics
2. Preparation Shaker Screens Inventorize
amounts, screen type and type of shaker to be used with. Coordinator
Try to return, sell back, shaker screens to vendor, or

Consider making agreement with Drilling contractor to transfer ownership of
2. Preparation Shaker Screens Inventorize DSV
Shaker Screens to Drilling contractor e.g. in exchange for services or lost in
hole charges.
2. Preparation Wireline Unit Order out new certified slings if required.
Order CCU(s) / Crane limitations might require wireline drum to be removed from wireline
basket(s) / unit. In this case call out drum cradle. Logistics
2. Preparation Wireline Unit
dedicated lifting Basket for unit hoses. Container for External A/C . Basket for tracks and Coordinator
frames pivot pin.

2. Preparation Wireline Unit Once drilling is complete call in vendor for rig down .
party Coordinator
Rig Move Procedure
Back Down
2. Preparation Deliver / Arrange Coordinate installation / removal of BDB with Marine department. DSV
Buoy
Company owned 13-5/8 x 10,000 psi BOP test stump, Fast Clamp and
3. Execution BOP Test stump Rig Down Cross Over to be disconnected / removed (removal of test stump will DSV
require hot work if welded) and returned to Company warehouse.
Logistics
3. Execution BOP Test stump Back Load
Coordinator
Bulk mud materials (e.g. Cement, Bentonite and Calcium Carbonate) to be

Logistics
3. Execution Bulk Materials Back Load back loaded to a suitable supply vessel. Note that not all supply boats can
Coordinator
handle bulk materials.
When close to the end of the contract, and when appropriate, the
permanent power pack complete with cables and hoses can be rigged
Casing Running down, not to leave it for the last rig de-mob period. If service required, (two) Logistics
3. Execution Rig Down
Services diesel driven power pack(s) can be called out for the last job instead. Coordinator
Note: Review lifting certification and if required make lifting plan to lift power
pack from installed location and order out half-height basket for back load.
Casing Running Logistics

3. Execution Back Load
Services Coordinator
Casing Running Mobilize executing Logistics
3. Execution
Services party Coordinator
Casing Running Disconnect power Note: To avoid rebill of repair charges ensure EX-junction box on power
3. Execution Rig Crew
Services supply and utilities pack is not damaged. Instead disconnect the power cable at rig tie-in point.
Cement Logistics
Chemicals Coordinator
Rig Move Procedure
Mobilize demob team from cementing company to rig down and back load
Cementing Mobilize executing
3. Execution the cement unit and CMS system as soon as there is no more requirement DSV
Services party
for cementing operations.
Confirm whether the cementing services company is to provide welding /
Cementing cutting equipment and personnel or if the rig welder will assist with any hot Logistics
Services work. Coordinator
Consider OSP hot work requirements.
Cementing Logistics
Services Coordinator
Cementing Disconnect power Rig crew to disconnect main power supply to the Cement Unit and CMS
Services supply and utilities system.
Disconnect Company IT
Cementing
3. Execution Company network Service
Services
facilities technician
Cementing Logistics
string & stinger Coordinator
Rig down centrifuges and PCP pumps. Note that rigging down of cabling
3. Execution Centrifuges Rig Down and hoses might require scaffolding and additional manpower (either from DSV
vendor or rig crew).
Logistics
3. Execution Centrifuges Back Load Back load centrifuges and associated equipment
Coordinator
Remove (deck)
3. Execution Centrifuges If applicable rig crew to grind-off welds fixing the unit to the deck. Rig Crew
welds
Disconnect power
3. Execution Centrifuges Rig Crew
supply and utilities
Rig Move Procedure
3. Execution Centrifuges Company network Service
When outside 500 meter zone transfer Satellite Phone to AHT (one that
3. Execution Communications Back Load will not leave Qatari waters) for back load / demob. Then send back to DSV
Company office and subsequently to be passed to IT department.
• After Company communication lines are disconnected only Drilling

contractor phones will be available.
No action
3. Execution Communications • Communications (email/Rig Net phones/fax) will be down during transit.
Information only
• The Wi-Max will NOT be operational after the Company network
equipment has been rigged down (before rig is jacked down).
Company IT IT Service technician will uninstall and pack all IT equipment in suitable Logistics
Equipment packing / bubble wrap. Rig crew to assist. Coordinator
Company IT Request IT service technician to make full back up of local server onto
3. Execution Deliver / Arrange DSV
Equipment shared server in town.
Company
Logistics
3. Execution Owned Back Load Back load to Company warehouse
Coordinator
Equipment
Company
Pack in boxes. Record contents of each box. Attached list of contents to Logistics
3. Execution Proprietary Back Load
each box. Back load to Company warehouse for storage. Coordinator
Documentation
Company
Shred all documents and forward list of shredded documents (scan of title & Well Site
3. Execution Proprietary Deliver / Arrange
controlled copy number page) to Drilling Superintendent. Engineer
Documentation
Rig Move Procedure
Control line Logistics

3. Execution Back Load Back load beam to Company shore base.
sheave beam Coordinator
Control line
3. Execution Rig Down Rig crew to rig down beam from derrick. Rig Crew
sheave beam
Drilling contractor agent to take care of customs formalities, both leaving

Qatari waters and at destination port.
Drilling
Customs Agent to clear the Company chartered tugs in and out as soon as they are
3. Execution Deliver / Arrange Contractor
formalities released after the rig has soft pinned at destination port.
Agent
Note, during the RCA demobilization (Aug 2008) customs clearance of AHT
took approx. 5 hours in Bahrain.
3. Execution DD / MWD Rig Down Rig down and prepare equipment for back load. Vendor
Remove (deck)
3. Execution DD / MWD If applicable rig crew to grind-off welds fixing the unit to the deck. Rig Crew
welds
Logistics
3. Execution DD / MWD Back Load
Coordinator
Disconnect power
3. Execution DD / MWD Rig Crew
3. Execution DD / MWD Company network Service
No action
3. Execution DP Reflectors Remain installed to enable DP positioning of supply vessels.
Information only
Rig Move Procedure
All new bits to be send back to relevant manufacture in original packaging,

manifested with size, type and manufacturer.
Note: It is imperative that the new bits are clearly separated on the
manifest, in their original boxes with manufacturer labels corresponding on
boxes and bits and that the correct manufacturer is clearly manifested for
each bit. There have been several cases in the past where new bits ended
Logistics
3. Execution Drill bits Back Load up at the wrong vendor due to poor / incorrect details on the manifest
Coordinator
resulting in Company been charged for these bits.
All used bits to be send to Company warehouse. Each bit to be manifested

with size, type , manufacturer, bit grading, and which wells it has been
used in and indications whether the bits are considered scrap or re-useable.
Drilling Drilling contractor might require Company to provide a considerable

contractor number of containers to transport the equipment to the rig. Once on board Logistics
3. Execution Mobilize
equipment to these containers will need to be emptied and then back-loaded prior to rig Coordinator
take on-board move. Planning to account for this.
Disconnect the ESD/MAC/Strobe and remove associated hardware before

ESD & Fibre lowering and checking the WTI. Platform
Optic cable Disconnect fibre optic cable once Company network equipment has been Electrician
uninstalled.
Logistics
3. Execution Explosives Back Load Two MOI personnel to be present.
Coordinator
Explosives
Logistics
3. Execution Bunker - Back Load
Coordinator
Jettison skid for
Rig Move Procedure
H2S protection equipment to be fully operational until outside the 500 meter
zone, but prior to leaving Qatari waters. Second H2S service technician is
mobilized to assist rigging down the equipment as quick as possible after
leaving the 500 meter zone. Rig crew to assist with rig down.
3. Execution H2S Services Rig Down After reducing to skeleton crew, excess SCBA sets can be loaded into Vendor
back-load container, however appropriate number of SCBA sets to remain
available at strategic positions throughout the rig until leaving the 500 meter
zone.
Remove hard piping if applicable.
After clearing the 500 meter zone the H2S protection equipment and
Logistics
3. Execution H2S Services Back Load personnel is to be transferred to an AHT that will not leave Qatari waters for
Coordinator
back load / demob.
Immigration formalities, both leaving Qatari waters and at destination.

Exit visa for all personnel sailing with rig and/or AHT to destination port; Drilling
Immigration
3. Execution Process Note that after exit visa has been obtained personnel need to exit Qatari Contractor
formalities
waters within 48 hours. Agent
Visa and exit permit to leave Bahrain / destination country .
Send passports to Drilling Contractor Agent in town to be processed for exit

visa as quick as possible.
Immigration Logistics
3. Execution Deliver / Arrange Plan for the people who will be arriving on the rig just for the rig move such
formalities Coordinator
as Towmaster etc.
Arrange transport of passports back to the rig.
Logistics
3. Execution Mud Chemicals Back Load As soon as drilling / completions operations have been completed.
Coordinator
Remove (deck)
3. Execution Mud Lab If applicable rig crew to grind-off welds fixing the unit to the deck. Rig Crew
welds
Rig Move Procedure
When Mud lab services no longer required all equipment to loaded and Mud
3. Execution Mud Lab Rig Down
secured in to the Lab unit. Engineer
Disconnect power
3. Execution Mud Lab Rig Crew
Logistics
3. Execution Mud Lab Back Load
Coordinator
3. Execution Mud Lab Company network Service
When Mud logging services no longer required (e.g. only well services ops.
Mud Logging remaining) all equipment to loaded and secured in to the Mud Logging unit.
3. Execution Rig Down Vendor
Unit Vendor to rig down and remove all mud logging cables and sensors.
Rig crew to assist in rig down.
Mud Logging Remove (deck)

3. Execution If applicable rig crew to grind-off welds fixing the unit to the deck. Rig Crew
Unit welds
Mud Logging Logistics
Unit Coordinator
Mud Logging Disconnect power
Unit supply and utilities
Mud Logging
3. Execution Company network Service
Unit
Logistics
3. Execution PPE Back Load Back load PPE of off-duty DSV's and Drill. Supt. to Company office.
Coordinator
Rig Move Procedure
Send to Company warehouse with manifest specifying amounts, screen

type and type of shaker to be used with. Logistics
3. Execution Shaker Screens Back Load
Alternatively consider making agreement with Drilling contractor to transfer Coordinator
ownership to Drilling Contractor in exchange for service to be provided.
Stimulation
3. Execution Rig Down Recover Hose Hanger Rig OIM
Hose Hanger
Stimulation Logistics
Hose Hanger Coordinator
Stimulation Remove (deck)
3. Execution If applicable rig crew to grind-off welds fixing the unit to the deck. Rig Crew
Hose Hanger welds
To avoid customs clearance issues consider transferring any remaining
Surveying Logistics
3. Execution Back Load equipment (e.g. TMS and H2S equipment) and personnel (e.g. Fugro, H2S
service Coordinator
supervisor) to an AHT that will not leave Qatari waters.
Rig down power pack hoses. Secure all equipment. Prepare equipment for
3. Execution Wireline Unit Rig Down Vendor
back load.
Remove (deck)
3. Execution Wireline Unit Rig welder to grind-off welds fixing the tracks and pivot pin to the deck. Rig Crew
welds
Logistics
3. Execution Wireline Unit Back Load
Coordinator
Disconnect power
3. Execution Wireline Unit Rig Crew
3. Execution Wireline Unit Company network Service
Timeline of the
3. Execution Deliver / Arrange DSV to keep a timeline of the rig move. DSV
rig move
Rig Move Procedure
Company Mobilize executing

4. Close Out Work to be performed at the shipyard. DSI
installed cables party
Raise IT service ticket. Coordinate removal of network and fibre optic

Company
4. Close Out Deliver / Arrange cables from with IT department. IT will contract a company (SEMCO) to DSI
installed cables
perform the work.
Company
Any documents remaining after rig move to be either destroyed or returned
4. Close Out Proprietary Back Load DSV
to the Company office.
Documentation
Lessons Well Site
4. Close Out Deliver / Arrange Report all Lessons Learned from Rig Move operation
Learned Engineer
Once the rig off hiring is completed (as per contract), the rig OIM must
prepare the ROB (Remaining On-Board) document, stating quantities of
Off-hire
4. Close Out Deliver / Arrange fuel, freshwater, drill water and bulk on-board at the moment of rig contract DSV
Document
termination. The ROB document, duly signed by both OIM and DSV, must
then be forwarded to the DSI. Required for settling final rebill charges.
Timeline of the Once the DSV is back in the office, he should pass the timeline of the rig
4. Close Out Deliver / Arrange DSV
rig move move to WSE to input in the reporting system.
Company IT Mobilize executing Raise service ticket requesting removal of Company IT equipment.
2. Preparation DSV
Equipment party Coordinate with Company IT service technician on timing.
Prepared by [NOC DSI / Focal Point]:
Verified by [NOC Drilling Operations Manager]:
Approved by [NOC Drilling & Wells Manager]:
Rig Move Procedure
15.6 APPENDIX F: Guidelines for Connecting - Disconnecting the Rig

Anchor Wire to the Soft Rope
As depicted in 9.4.3 herein, a soft-rope anchored to a bollard of an adjacent platform is a
common means of attaching an aft anchor winch on the rig to assist in pulling the rig onto the
platform.
The Marine guideline GM-NOC-MAR-005 provides the procedure for installing and recovering the
soft-rope at the platform.
Below is a guideline for connecting and disconnecting the rig’s anchor wire to the soft rope.
15.6.1 Mooring / Soft Rope Connection to Drilling Rig

Here it is assumed the soft rope has been preinstalled and tethered to a bollard or leg on the
adjacent platform, and the rig-end of the soft rope is secured at either the upper deck of the
platform or connecting bridge.
1. Vessel (if other than the assigned AHTS for the move) enters the 500mtr
exclusion zone once permits and approvals are in place, then comes alongside
the rig.
2. Prior to commencing the job, Scope of Work and JSA to be reviewed by the HSE-
SA/HSE-SA-D.
3. Vessel receives anchor wire from rig, connects to tugger winch, and secures in
shark jaw.
Rig Move Procedure
4. Disconnect tugger winch from anchor wire when secured.

5. Return any shackles / wire pennants to rig.
6. Vessel approaches Platform to collect soft rope. Vessel Captain to be cognisant
of height restrictions under the bridge between platforms, and as per MCP,
maintain the minimum allowable 3m distance to the platform at all times.
Meanwhile, rig pays out the anchor line as required.
7. Platform personnel disconnect free end of soft rope and lowers same to vessel
using a messenger line.
8. With soft rope on deck, vessel crew connect free / rig end of soft rope to rig
anchor wire with 35t shackle.
9. Vessel crew carry out final check on soft rope, shackle, anchor wire connection.
10. Position vessel for letting go.
11. With rig’s permission, open sharks jaw to release anchor wire.
12. Rig applies required tension in mooring line.
13. If applicable, vessel to exit the 500mtr exclusion zone.
15.6.2 Disconnection & Removal of Mooring / Soft Rope to Drilling Rig

1. Vessel (if other than the assigned AHTS for the move) enters the 500mtr
exclusion zone once permits and approval are in place.
2. Prior to commencing the job, Scope of Work and JSA to be reviewed by the HSE-
SA/HSE-SA-D.
3. Rig heaves-in on mooring line to lift connecting shackle clear of the water.
4. When clear, rig stops heaving and vessel connects tugger winch to joining
shackle.
5. Vessel heave-in on tugger winch and secure anchor wire in sharks jaw.
6. Vessel removes joining shackle and mooring rope is recovered:
a. If tethered end of soft rope is accessible, then it may be elected for the
Platform Personnel to recover and secure the soft rope for subsequent
retrieval at a later date (after the rig more).
b. If the tethered end is not accessible for Platform Personnel, then the vessel
shall launch its FRC to retrieve the soft rope completely from the Platform
bollard / leg.
7. Vessel moves into position for anchor wire recovery adjacent to the rig
8. Rig crane to be connected to anchor wire using suitable wire pennant.
9. Vessel to open shark jaw and release anchor wire for recovery, and rig heaves-in
anchor wire onto winch.
10. With anchor wire retrieved, vessel to pull clear and exit 500mtr.

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LEVEL 2 – COMPANY PROCESS

Rig Move Procedure

03 12/2019 Correction of errors in Rev 2

Owning entity: OPS/DW Other approving entities: Nil

Rig Move Procedure

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Rev.: Date: Revision Description

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5. TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS....................................................... 12

7. RIG MOVE PROCESS / PROCEDURE...................................................................16

8. SITE SURVEYS AND DATA ACQUISITION............................................................17

10. RIG MOVE COORDINATION.................................................................................. 36

Rig Move Procedure

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11.1 SIMOPS and E&C Tie-In Site Survey.............................................................................. 45

12. RIG MOVE............................................................................................................... 48

13. AL SHAHEEN / GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................... 55

14. LESSONS LEARNED..............................................................................................59

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Rig Move Procedure

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Rig Move Procedure

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North Oil Company (NOC) CMS Documentation

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5. TERMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

5.2 Abbreviations & Acronyms

ALAP As Low As Reasonably Practical

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PIC Person In Charge

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 Independent Leg Cantilever (IC)

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The rig types selected are:

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7. RIG MOVE PROCESS / PROCEDURE

Section - 7 SITE SURVEYS & DATA ACQUISITION

RIG MOVE COORDINATION

Rig Move Procedure

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8. SITE SURVEYS AND DATA ACQUISITION

8.1 Offshore Geotechnical Soil Survey

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8.2 Offshore Geophysical Survey

8.3 Geophysical Debris Survey

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8.4 Meteorological and Oceanographic Survey

8.5 Shipping Movements and Shipping Traffic Study

 PSV movements are controlled by the Logistical Supply Base

Rig Move Procedure