Drilling rig anchor release system - A new concept for hostile weather mooring operations

Present mooring schemes for semi-submersible drilling vessels do not permit it to move its own anchors rapidly. This function must be performed by anchor handling vessels. Because of this constraint the moving of a drilling vessel is dependent upon the anchor handling ship being able to perform this function when necessary. In areas such as the North Sea, weather conditions frequently are such that it is impossible to pick up the anchors and the drilling rig must, therefore, wait until the weather and sea improves. In emergency situations such as well blow out, iceberg danger, severe storms,or other similar conditions where it is mandatory to move on short notice, the Rig Release System provides a fast, safe means of releasing the anchor and allows moving the drilling rig in a relatively short time period.