Patent ID: 6030148
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: B63B,E02B,E21B

Abstract:
A method of improving the feasibility of a jack-up drilling rig, said drilling rig comprising a frame with a working deck and a substantially plane shaped bottom, at least a part of power production and operating equipment being arranged in said frame; at least three feet provided on said frame, said feet being arranged to move vertically with respect to said frame by means of lifting devices between a standby position in which said feet are elevated for transportation of said drilling rig and a working position in which said feet support said frame on the sea bottom; a drilling unit provided on said frame, said drilling unit being moveable in a horizontal direction with respect to said frame between a transportation position wherein said drilling unit is substantially above said frame and a drilling position wherein said drilling unit is substantially outside said frame; and a blow arrangement, said method comprising the steps of:providing an air space, defined by side walls and an open lower end portion, below said plane shaped bottom;filling said air space with air via said blow arrangement to form an air-bed, at least when said feet are moving;discharging said air space for transporting said drilling rig.