GSP Orizont drilling rig was designed by Sonnat Offshore and was built by Petrom at the Galaţi Shipyard in 1982.
[3] The rig was owned and operated by Petrom from 1982 to 2005 when the company sold its six offshore platforms (including Atlas, Jupiter, Orizont, Prometeu and Saturn) to Grup Servicii Petroliere for US$100 million.
GSP Orizont is able to maneuver with its own engines (to counter drift and ocean currents), but for long-distance relocation it must be moved by specialist tugboats.
The rig is capable of withstanding severe sea conditions including 12 metres (39 ft) waves and 155 kilometres per hour (96 mph) winds.
[2] Currently the GSP Orizont is operated by the Iranian company Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company which uses the drilling rig at its Persian Gulf oil and natural gas prospects.