Story
This barge, cargo was built in 1944 by William Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA.
Historical Notes
George Schneider (Sept 2026) writes: Several of this class were converted into drilling rig tenders, but this one was always a free-standing drilling rig. Although not the first offshore drilling rig, she certainly made a step-change in the viability (and survivability) of such rigs. As noted above, she was also a pioneer in the development of "Dynamic positioning," holding a ship in one place so she could work in water deeper then where anchors are practical.
Owners & Masters
In 1944-1947 she was owned by the U. S. Navy.
In 1947-1950 she was owned by Ocean Towing Inc., Portland OR USA.
In 1957-1958 she was owned by the Louis N. Waterfall Co., Los Angeles CA USA.
In 1960-1978 she was owned by Global Marine Exploration Co., Los Angeles CA USA.
In 1978-1981 she was owned by the Morton Equipment Co., Seattle WA USA.
In 1984 she was owned by The Barge Co., Seattle WA USA.
In 1986 she was owned by the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape TTPI USA.
Name Significance
CUSS represented the four oil companies who sponsored her conversion into a drilling rig: Continental, Union, Shell, and Superior.
Rebuilds
In 1956 she was converted into a drilling barge capable of drilling in 600 feet of water. In 1961 she was briefly fitted with four Murray & Tregurtha "outboard" drives for an early effort at dynamic positioning while drilling. In about 1968 bulges were added, increasing her beam to 57 feet. In 1986 the generators onboard were probably supplemented by additional units and she was sold as a power generating station.
Repower
(see "rebuilds" above)
References
www.navsource.net ↗ (accessed Sept 2026), Merchant Vessels of the United States (1948-1981)
