Maersk Drilling secures important contracts for three rigs

Maersk Drilling has been awarded a contract by Shell for the deepwater semisubmersible rig Mærsk Developer. The contract covers the drilling and completion of three wells and the suspension of one well, all located in block E of the East Coast Marine Area (ECMA) offshore Trinidad.

Commencing in January 2018, the firm contract duration is estimated at eight to nine months, with options for more than two years of additional work. The contract also includes the provision by Maersk Drilling of additional in-field integrated services.

“Working with Shell on this project and contributing to delivering gas production in Trinidad is very exciting for Maersk Drilling,” Lars Østergaard, Chief Commercial Officer of Maersk Drilling, said. “The project scope involves a range of integrated services, and we look forward to taking on the responsibility for these while deploying Maersk Developer’s advanced drilling capabilities. Together with Shell, we will do our utmost to deliver the project in a safe and efficient manner.”

Maersk Drilling has also been awarded a contract extension for the high-efficiency jackup Maersk Resolve by Wintershall Noordzee. The duration of the contract has been extended from the original 86 days to a minimum of 160 to 190 days, with further options included. In addition, Maersk Drilling has entered into an extension of the contract with Petrogas E&P Netherlands for the high-efficiency jackup Maersk Resolute. The extension covers plug and abandonment work at the Q1 Halfweg platform and brings the contract from 95 days up to a total of 140 days. The total duration of the two extensions is up to 150 days.

“The North Sea is a key market for us, and we remain committed to offering a safe and efficient operation to both Wintershall and Petrogas,” Mr Østergaard said.

The Mærsk Developer is currently located in Aruba having completed its last drilling campaign for Repsol Colombia in June 2017.