logo

Statoil contracts drilling rig for Barents Sea exploration

Statoil and licence partners in Barents Sea have signed a contract with North Atlantic Norway for use of the West Hercules semi-submersible rig in drilling two exploration wells in the Barents Sea this year.


Statoil and licence partners in Barents Sea have signed a contract with North Atlantic Norway for use of the West Hercules semi-submersible rig in drilling two exploration wells in the Barents Sea this year.

The total estimated contract value is USD 15-20 million for the two permanent wells, which includes the options to drill another five exploration wells, Statoil said in a statement.

Mobilisation and demobilisation are included in the amount, but remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and other services will be charged extra. Planned drilling start is summer 2018.

“We have chosen this rig because it is winterized and ready for use in cold waters. We have used this rig before, both in the norther part of the Norwegian continental shelf and in Canada. We expect North Atlantic Norway to provide safe and efficient operations,” said Geir Tungesvik, head of Drilling and Well in Statoil.

Source: Pipeline ME