Project Background and Objective
Client: Eldorado Drilling
Asset: West Draco
Pelago Services: Project Management and Operations
Location: South Korea and Malaysia.
Project Duration: September 2023 – June 2025
Background: In 2023, Eldorado Drilling completed the acquisition of West Draco from Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), Geoje, South Korea.
Objective: Pelago Management was engaged as Project Manager by Eldorado Drilling to manage the project from the delivery of West Draco from Samsung Heavy Industry in Geoje, South Korea. Post delivery, Pelago was engaged to sail the vessel to stand-by location and conduct planning and execution of all required activities at the standby location, and preparing the vessel for drilling operation (spare parts evaluations, maintenance system, etc.)
Project Management:
Pelago Preparation for Operation (PFO) Team:
- Site Manager
- Marine
- Drilling
- Subsea
- Technical
- Procurement/Logistic
Pelago’s PFO Team and Operations Crew, meticulously managed each phase of the project:
Shipyard Construction, Activation & Commissioning
- Vessel Delivery: Ensured the safe and timely delivery of West Draco from Samsung Heavy Industry, Geoje, Korea.
- Ensure asset meets contract specifications, and completion meets budget and timelines.
- Procurement of long-lead items.
- Commissioning of systems and vendors’ packages.
- Sea trials, DP trials, shock and motion tests where required.
- Class & flag state certification, final acceptance by owner.
Asset- & Operations Preparation
- Planning and Budgeting: Develop detailed plans and budgets for asset activation and overseeing the rig’s preparation for operation.
- Operational Readiness: Developed and implemented safety management systems, vessel maintenance procedures, and procured necessary spare parts, tools, and consumables.
- Maintenance System: Established a Preventive Maintenance System (PMS) for the Drill Ship.
- Regulatory Compliance: IMO (SOLAS, STCW), Class, Marpol, Flag, local and regional requirements.
Operations
Pelago was engaged as Ship Manager for the maiden voyage of West Draco to its stand-by location where we managed the following tasks:
- Routine maintenance
- Inventory management
- QHSE Compliance
- Technical Management
- Crew Management
- Operational Management
- Financial Management
- Safety & Compliance Management
Pelago Operations Crew:
- 17 pax Crew
- 6 pax SIT Team
Conclusion
Pelago’s strategic management and technical expertise ensured the project’s success, reinforcing its reputation for delivering complex, high-stakes maritime projects with precision and efficiency. The project showcased Pelago’s unique service offering as a Project Manager:
- Fast deployment of project team on the ground.
- Lifecycle management capabilities – from shipyard to operational management.
- Fostering collaboration among multiple stakeholders across different regions.
Pelago gratefully acknowledges the dedicated efforts of the project team, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to this achievement, and Eldorado Drilling for trusting Pelago to lead this transformative project.
Contact information
Tor Inge Gran
tig@pelagomanagement.com
Asset Specifications:
Design: Samsung 96K, 1200
Hull Dimensions: 228 x 42 x 19m
Displacement: 96,400 MT
Operating Draft: 12m
Maximum Water Depth: 12 000 ft.
Drilling Depth: 40 000 ft.
Variable Deck Load: 20 000 MT OB: 200
Cabin Type: 20 x 1p cabin, 90 x 2p cabin
Moonpool Size: 25.6 x 12.5m
Maximum Transit Speed: 11.5 knots
