Many people ask us about the definitions of the various generations of offshore drilling rigs.The details below consist of definition of offshore rig types and meaning of rig generations. This will help you get more understanding so when you hear about this drillship is 5th generation rig and you will know right away what it means.
Jackup
Jackups are mobile, self-elevating drilling platforms that are equipped with moveable legs. Jackups are towed to a drilling site by tug boats before the unit lowers its legs to the seabed and then jacks up the hull to elevate it above the sea level, after which drilling operations can begin. The units are used exclusively for shallow water exploration and production drilling.