Statoil hires COSL Pioneer to drill offshore Norway

As part of a renewal of the aging fleet on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), Statoil has awarded a contract to COSL Drilling Europe for the COSL Pioneer semisubmersible. Plans call for the rig to be used for exploration and production drilling on the NCS from mid-2011.

“With this contract, Statoil secures an up-to-date light rig customized for the mid-water segment. Our strategy is to increase the diversity, competition and flexibility in the rig market. We are therefore also pleased to see new rig companies operating in Norway,” Vidar Birkeland, acting head of procurement for Statoil, said.

Statoil aims to maintain its present production level on the NCS for the next 10 years. To achieve that, enhanced recovery from existing fields, quick and efficient development of new fields and an active exploration programme are key.