[4][5] The vessel is made up of two hulls, six columns and a main deck where the drilling plant and platform services are installed.

[6][7] In 2007, the hull was moved to the shipyard in Palermo, Italy where Fincantieri carried out topsides construction.

[9] However, as a result of this incident, the rig needed massive replacement of pipes, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, steel details and paint.

[11] After that incident Scarabeo 8 was moved from the Fincantieri yard in Italy to Norway for repairs and final completion.

[12] The rig was winterized for working in Arctic conditions and commissioned in the Westcon yard in Ølensvåg.

Non-conformities were found in areas such as the management system for use of lifting equipment, offshore cranes for pipe handling, emergency operation of lifting appliances, access to electrical equipment, safety barriers, storage facility for helicopter fuel, as well as design-related issues covering materials handling and working environment.

[10][19] On 4 September 2012 the rig, drilling at the Salina prospect, was reported as having a 5.7-degree list caused by seawater coming into the ballast water tank.