Rig Positioning Service
A Rig Positioning Service is a specialized navigation and surveying operation required to move a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU), such as a jack-up or semi submersible, to a precise target location.
Whether the rig is moving to a fixed Platform (high-precision “slot” alignment) or an Appraisal Well (open-water location), the survey team acts as the “pilot” for the Tug Master and Rig OIM.
Objectives
Key objectives for rig positioning and verification to ensure safe, accurate, and compliant emplacement.
Precision Targeting
Ensure the rig’s Rotary Table or Well Center is positioned within a tight tolerance of the planned coordinates.
Collision Avoidance
Maintain safe clearance between the rig and existing infrastructure (platforms, jackets, pipelines, or subsea wellheads).
Heading Control
Orient the rig in the correct direction (heading) for prevailing winds/currents, and to ensure the drilling cantilever can reach the intended well slots.
Final Verification
Provide an As-Built / Final Location report confirming exact coordinates (Lat/Long and Eastings/Northings) after the rig is pinned or anchored.
Anchor Management (Floating Rigs)
Guide Tugboats (AHTs) to drop anchors in defined patterns that avoid subsea pipelines, maintain clearance to infrastructure, and preserve the planned rig position/heading.