When we talk about a shipping rig, what do we really mean? It refers to an offshore drilling structure—such as a semi‑submersible or drillship—that meets vessel criteria under maritime law and can be transported or towed. Unlike fixed platforms, these rigs are navigable and must comply with maritime transport standards.
At Red River LLC, we design pressure vessels optimized for both stationary platforms and mobile shipping rigs, ensuring full compliance whether anchored or in transit.
Fixed oil rigs lack propulsion and navigational systems and are not classified as vessels. By contrast, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs)—including drillships and semi-submersibles—are often classified as vessels due to their mobility and compliance with recognized standards. If you want to dive deeper, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) provides detailed standards that govern classification for offshore drilling units, including shipping rigs.
If a rig qualifies as a shipping rig, it triggers stricter legal protocols, insurance underwriting, and operational safety requirements. These classifications carry significant implications for liability and regulatory compliance. The concept and governance of ship classification societies are central to this process, as these organizations set the technical rules that define vessel standards and offshore structures.
Moving a shipping rig involves coordination of specialized towage, structural reinforcement, and collaboration with marine planners to protect the rig’s integrity during transit.
Shipping rigs must follow safety protocols aligned with vessels—boundary protection, navigation systems, and load regulations. Our pressure vessel designs are purpose-built to meet these rigorous standards.
Mobility demands different engineering than stationary vessels. At Red River LLC, every pressure vessel is tailored to perform reliably within the dynamic environment of mobile offshore structures.
Discover essential pressure vessel materials and designs in Defining Pressure Vessels: Key Features, Designs & Materials.
Dive deep into fabrication strategies in Understanding Pressure Vessels: A Comprehensive Guide.
Learn about advanced customization in Custom Pressure Vessel Features: Baffles, Jackets & Design Solutions.
Whether an oil rig qualifies as a shipping rig hinges on its mobility and legal classification, which in turn impacts logistics, compliance, and safety requirements.
At Red River LLC, our pressure vessels are engineered for excellence tailored to whether your rig is stationary or navigable—built with maritime-grade precision for any environment.
Want pressure vessels that meet rigorous maritime shipping standards? Contact us today for:
Custom-designed solutions built for mobility and safety
Full documentation and certification support
Durability and performance in both fixed and drifting offshore operations
A shipping rig is an offshore drilling unit that qualifies as a vessel under maritime law—capable of transport or navigation, unlike fixed platforms.
Standard rigs are stationary and don’t require vessel classification. Shipping rigs must meet navigational and regulatory standards for mobility.
Classification affects legal status, insurance requirements, safety protocols, and design needs for pressure vessels and other components.
Shipping rigs are mobile offshore structures classified as vessels due to navigational capability.
Such classification affects logistics, safety standards, and legal compliance.
Red River LLC specializes in pressure vessels engineered for both stationary platforms and mobile offshore rigs.
In the realm of industrial solutions, Red River emerges as a pioneer, offering a diverse range of custom-engineered products and facilities. Among our specialties is the design and production of Custom/OEM Pressure Vessels, meticulously crafted to meet individual client requirements, ensuring performance under various pressure conditions. Our expertise extends to the domain of prefabrication, where Red River leads with distinction.
The company excels in creating prefabricated facilities, modules, and packages, reinforcing its stance as a forerunner in innovation and quality. This proficiency is further mirrored in their Modular Skids offering, where they provide an array of Modular Fabricated Skid Packages and Packaged equipment. Each piece is tailored to client specifications, underlining their commitment to delivering precision and excellence in every project they undertake.
