Rig briefs: Atwood orders new drillship, KCA Deutag wins new contracts

Atwood orders ultra-deepwater drillship for 2015 delivery

An Atwood Oceanics subsidiary has entered into a turnkey construction contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) to construct a fourth ultra-deepwater drillship to be named the Atwood Archer. Delivery is anticipated by 31 December 2015 at a total cost of $635 million. The rig will feature two blowout preventers and will be identical in design to the previously ordered Atwood Advantage, Atwood Achiever and Atwood Admiral. All four drillships are DP-3 with dual derricks and will be rated to operate in water depths up to 12,000 ft and drill wells to 40,000 ft.

Upon delivery, the Atwood Archer will become the company’s 17th mobile offshore drilling unit.

Further, the company has secured an option to construct a fifth ultra-deepwater drillship at a similar cost to the Atwood Archer and with an expected delivery in September 2016. This option must be exercised by 31 March 2014.

KCA Deutag secures work in Myanmar, Gabon

KCA Deutag has been awarded two offshore contracts for work in Southeast Asia and Gabon. The first is a two-year operating and maintenance drilling services contract for the Shwe Platform based in Myanmar with Daewoo International. The second contract, with Tullow Oil Gabon, is for the provision of KCA Deutag’s Ben Rinnes jackup. The contract scope is for two wells, and there is an option for an additional well. Work will commence in July, operating for 80 days.

“The West African market continues to be a major hub of activity for the oil and gas industry and one where we have an established presence. Establishing new relationships in countries such as Gabon demonstrates how vibrant this area continues to be,” Rune Lorentzen, president of offshore at KCA Deutag, said.

“This contract with Daewoo International Corporation is our second contract in Myanmar and strengthens our position in the region. With existing projects under way and a number of further opportunities identified, we are in a good position to continue to develop KCA Deutag in an emerging market which offers extensive oil and gas potential,” he continued.