Heli-Rig is one of the rig design concepts for shallow water environments.
1. Independent of water depth. Requires a support structure which in itself would not be helicopter transportable, and therefore could only be used with a minimum of two support structures and a leap-frog operation.
2. Proven technology, but limited drilling capability. Pumping and hoisting capabilities of heli-rigs may not be compatible with well designs.
3. In theory could moved between locations year round, thus circumventing water depth and ice cover limitations.
4. Concept should be considered for a service rig that can been flown over all year round as part of a larger rig fleet.
5. Cost of helicopters high, availability low.
Other drilling rig design concepts for shallow water depth environments will include:
1. Land rig on artificial island
2. Land rig on barge (with optional submerged caissons)
3. Swamp Barge (With Optional Submerged Caissons)
8. Steel Caisson with Drilling Rig
9. Modularised and Pile Elevated Drilling Rig
10. Drilling Rig on Pre-Installed Piles and Modules
11. Jacket Supported Offshore Rig
12. Posted Barge With Land Or Modular Rig
13. Heli-Rig
14. Submersible