Odfjell Drilling to manage Beacon Pacific for Serica’s UK program

Serica Energy signed a drilling contract for the sixth-generation semisubmersible Beacon Pacific to carry out a multi-well campaign on the UK Continental Shelf. The firm scope covers six wells, with options for further activity. The rig is rated for operations to 620 m water depth and could also be used for plugging and abandonment work.

Drilling is set to begin in Q3 2027 with the first wells at the Bruce field since 2012, targeting more than 10,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) of incremental production. First production could follow about 12 months after drilling starts. Serica also plans to use the rig at the Kyla field and in the Greater Laggan Area, subject to partner and regulatory approval.

Odfjell Drilling will manage the rig throughout the contract, including its mobilization and transit to the UK. Reactivation work has already partly begun ahead of Odfjell taking over management. The agreement will expand Odfjell’s fleet to nine rigs.