Along this journey, Tam Dao 03 and Tam Dao 05 are not merely modern self-elevating drilling rigs, but powerful symbols of resilience and the crystallization of Vietnamese ingenuity in research, design, and manufacturing. Two projects, two milestones, together affirm a fundamental truth: Vietnam is fully capable of mastering offshore technologies and standing shoulder to shoulder with nations possessing advanced oil and gas industries.

Tam Dao 05 and Tam Dao 03 jack-up drilling rigs at Bach Ho oil field (Photo:petrovietnam.petrotimes.vn)

From Tam Dao 03 to Tam Dao 05, from a 90-meter jack-up rig to a 120-meter one, all mark a significant leap in Vietnam’s capability to manufacture offshore drilling rigs.

On November 23, 2012, the Tam Dao 03 jack-up drilling rig was officially launched in Vung Tau, marking a historic moment for Vietnam’s oil and gas mechanical engineering industry.

For the first time, a massive drilling rig standing 145 meters tall, weighing 12,000 tons, and capable of drilling up to 9,000 meters in water depths of 120 meters was designed and built entirely in Vietnam.

The success of Tam Dao 03 represented a major breakthrough, showcasing the intellectual capacity of Vietnamese engineers.

Tam Dao 03 jack-up drilling rig (Photo:petrovietnam.petrotimes.vn)

From design and fabrication to assembly and launch, the entire process was carried out by engineers and workers of PV Shipyard and other units within the industry, with technological consultancy support from international partners.

Tam Dao 03 proved that Vietnam is fully capable of independently building offshore drilling rigs, rather than relying on costly foreign leasing. This achievement addressed not only an economic challenge—saving the nation hundreds of millions of US dollars—but also a strategic one, affirming technological capability and elevating Vietnam’s standing in offshore oil and gas exploration.

Standing firm amid the open seas, Tam Dao 03 has been likened to a “steel fortress” bearing the “Made in Vietnam” brand, towering proudly in the East Sea. It is not merely an engineering feat, but a powerful symbol of confidence, determination to integrate globally, and Petrovietnam’s aspiration to master advanced technologies.

If Tam Dao 03 represented the starting point, Tam Dao 05 stands as compelling proof of a remarkable leap in scientific research and technological innovation.

This is a state-of-the-art jack-up drilling rig, designed and manufactured by Vietnamese engineers themselves, meeting the most stringent international standards.

Notably, Tam Dao 05 is not only a technical achievement but was also awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Science and Technology—the highest honor in Vietnam’s science and technology sector.

The Tam Dao 05 jack-up drilling rig under construction (Photo:petrovietnam.petrotimes.vn)

Behind this landmark project lies the dedication of hundreds of engineers and scientists who tirelessly conducted simulations, field surveys, and continuous design improvements to adapt to the challenging geology and harsh climatic conditions of the East Sea.

Every detail—from the leg systems and wave-breaking structures to the living quarters—bears the distinct imprint of Vietnamese creativity. Many proprietary technologies for deepwater rig construction were specifically developed by PV Shipyard engineers to suit Vietnam’s existing infrastructure and conditions. As a result, Tam Dao 05 features a high level of technological content and a significant localization rate.

Tam Dao 05 jack-up drilling rig is a vivid testament to Vietnam's internal strength. (Photo:petrovietnam.petrotimes.vn)

These efforts elevated Tam Dao 05 into a true breakthrough, marking the transition from a phase of “learning and manufacturing” to one of “research and innovation.” It is a strategically significant achievement that not only adds a modern “steel tower” to Vietnam’s drilling fleet, but also affirms national sovereignty, the aspiration to venture further offshore, and the capability to safeguard national energy security.

If Tam Dao 03 opened the door to technological self-reliance, Tam Dao 05 firmly established Vietnam’s standing in research and innovation. Together, they embody a shared and profound aspiration: to master the seas, conquer advanced technologies, and build a strong and prosperous nation.

In the context of globalization, the story of Tam Dao 03 and Tam Dao 05 becomes even more meaningful. These are not merely technical achievements, but vivid proof of Vietnam’s internal strength—demonstrating that with aspiration and determination, Vietnamese intellect can conquer the highest peaks of global technology.

The journey from Tam Dao 03 to Tam Dao 05 is not simply the story of two colossal drilling rigs; it is the story of a nation’s drive to rise. Each project not only contributes to ensuring energy security, but also stands as a powerful symbol of technological self-reliance, national will, and Vietnamese resilience.