Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore this month saw the completion of sea trials for its first semi-submersible drilling platform "COSLPioneer".

The platform, built for client China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL), is also the first deep-water semi-submersible drilling platform constructed in China.

As the last major milestone before delivery, the sea trial marked an integrated testing of the platform's hull, mechanical, electrical and other related systems under its designed operating conditions.

During this period, commissioning engineers performed tests on the platform's thrusters as well as dynamic positioning, sonar, communications, anchorage and emergency systems.

As a 6th generation platform equipped with state-of-the-art drilling and dynamic positioning (DP3) systems, the "COSLPioneer" is said to be one of the most advanced platforms built in China.

"COSLPioneer" is classed by DNV and has an overall length of 104.5 metres, overall width of 65 metres and an overall depth of 36.85 metres.

It has a design draught of 9.5 - 17.75 metres and a displacement of 27,331 - 36,402 tonnes. The platform has a design life of 20 years and can accommodate up to 120 personnel.