Maersk Drilling takes delivery of ultra-deepwater drillship
Maersk Drilling has taken the delivery of its second drillship, Maersk Valiant from the Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) shipyard in Geoje-Si, South-Korea. Maersk Valiant has begun its voyage toward the US Gulf of Mexico (GOM) via Singapore to commence a two-year contract with ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil.
Maersk Valiant is the second in a series of four ultra-deepwater drillships to enter Maersk Drilling’s fleet. The four drillships represent a total investment of $2.6 billion and will be delivered from the SHI shipyard in 2014.
Featuring dual derrick and large subsea work and storage areas, the design of Maersk Valiant allows for efficient well construction and field development activities through offline activities. With the positioning control system, the ship automatically maintains a fixed position in severe weather conditions with waves of up to 11 m and wind speeds of up to 26 m/sec.
Maersk Drilling has been active in the US GOM since 2009 with the ultra-deepwater semisubmersible Maersk Developer. With Maersk Viking and Maersk Valiant entering the GOM, the GOM and West Africa are the target regions for Maersk Drilling’s deepwater activities. The estimated contract value with ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil for Maersk Valiant is $694 million, including mobilization but excluding cost escalation.
