Island-Innovator Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

Island Drilling, based in Norway, has successfully secured a contract with Faroe Petroleum Norge for the use of its semi-submersible rig, the Island Innovator, which was built in 2012. The drilling operations are set to kick off in the third quarter of 2019 and will focus on a single well at the PL888 Canela license, situated to the west of the Heidrun field. This collaboration marks a significant step for both companies in advancing their exploration efforts in the region.

As of noon today, efforts to stabilize the drilling rig 'Island Innovator' were ongoing following a leakage incident during maintenance operations at Odfjell Drilling's facility in Hanøytangen, located outside Bergen. The rig, which had experienced a noticeable tilt earlier, was showing signs of improvement, though stabilization work was expected to persist throughout the day. To assist in the stabilization process, both a tug and an anchor handling vessel from Farstad Shipping were deployed to the site. Technicians from Odfjell Drilling focused on replacing a faulty valve at the rig's seawater inlet. During this operation, a leak occurred in a pipe, which was promptly sealed using two plugs. After several hours, the leak was effectively addressed, allowing Odfjell's team to commence pumping water out of the rig to further reestablish stability. The specific reasons for the plugs' initial failure remain unclear. For further details, you can view the accompanying report with an image at: http://www.smp.no/nyheter/article7668347.ece

On the morning of May 31, 2013, the semisubmersible rig 'Island Innovator' experienced a critical situation as it began to take on water. The emergency unfolded at Hanøytangen in Askøy, Hordaland, where 67 crew members were safely evacuated at 4:30 a.m. Fortunately, only one individual sustained minor injuries. Despite the evacuation, the remaining 37 personnel aboard worked diligently to manage the situation although the platform's stability had not yet been secured. The water ingress was linked to diving operations taking place on the platform and significant efforts to seal the leak were underway by 6 a.m. Divers were deployed to repair a pipe that had been compromised. At the same time, while the platform continued to absorb water into a tank, effective operation of bilge pumps contained the flooding. At this point, the rig was reported to be tilting at an angle of three to four degrees towards the shore, well within its tolerance of up to 17 degrees. However, the chains anchoring the platform were under substantial pressure, prompting operator Odfjell Drilling to enlist anchor handling vessels to alleviate the load. Ballast tanks were also strategically utilized to stabilize the platform. Additionally, a supply vessel remained on standby should the situation worsen. Around 5:30 a.m., booms were deployed in the water as a precautionary measure. Responding to the alarming event, a range of emergency services, including firefighters, a rescue boat, police patrols, fire trucks, and ambulances, were promptly dispatched to the scene to ensure the safety of all involved. For more detailed coverage, check out the Norwegian reports with accompanying photos and videos at the following links: [BA.no](http://www.ba.no/nyheter/article6684069.ece), [NRK.no](http://www.nrk.no/hordaland/63-personar-evakuert-1.11054817), and [BT.no](http://www.bt.no/nyheter/lokalt/Plattform-tar-inn-vann--2906797.html#.UagvIkD0HZk).