Swamp Barge (With Optional Submerged Caissons) is one of the drilling rig design concepts for offshore drilling in shallow water environments.
- Swamp barges are a proven concept and can operate in water depth of 2 to 7 m. This is a concept extensively used in the USA, Nigeria, Indonesia, etc.
- With additional submerged caissons, operating range may be extended to say a 2-10 m range. Although this has not be used in the Caspian, it is not considered a high risk factor.
- Environmental Impact Potentially low.
- Swamp barges can be designed for ice operations. Ice and sea will generate significant movement and forces on the barge, whether floating or on bottom. Rig Moves during winter are not possible. Need for a heavy ice resistant skirt may increase transit draft.
- Suitable for exploration. For development, cantilever can be installed for small clusters.
- Swamp barges may be available in the Caspian region (Sunkar). Could be fabricated locally. Swamp barges have no special fabrication requirements other than launching capability. Swamp barge could also be fabricated outside Caspian and brought in through Don-Volga disassembled. Lead time potentially low.
- Capacity rigs generally less than 3000hp
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