Esgian: New Contracts, Drilling Activities and Rig Moves Across the World
Esgian's last roundup of the year for the Week 52 puts spotlight on new developments for Dolphin Drilling semisub, Seadrill drillships, as well as Shell’s plans for Australia and ONGC’s new tender for jackups in India.ContractsDolphin Drilling has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with an undisclosed operator for the 1,500-ft semisubmersible Borgland Dolphin to undertake a 500-day drilling campaign in the UK. The drilling campaign is planned to begin directly after the firm part of the contract period with EnQuest, which was announced in late November 2023.
Transocean Puts Off Deliveries of Two New Drillships
Transocean Ltd. announced today a mutual agreement with its customer, Shell EP Wells Equipment Wells Services B.V. (Shell), and the shipyard, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (DSME), to delay the operating and delivery contracts of two newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships - the Deepwater Pontus and the Deepwater Poseidon - by 12 months each. The delay has no impact on the duration or dayrate of the original 10-year operating contracts for each of the two newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships. Parties will be compensated for the postponement. The specific terms are not disclosed. The delivery and operating agreements for Shell's two other contracted Transocean newbuild, ultra-deepwater drillships, the Deepwater Thalassa and Deepwater Proteus, are not impacted by this agreement.
Shell Brasil Acquires 5Blocks Offshore Brazil
The exploration acreage was acquired through the company's successful participation in Brazil's seventh bid round. The blocks are located in shallow water areas of the Espírito Santo Basin. Shell will operate block ESM 438, with a 100% share, and partner with Brazil's national oil company Petrobras who will operate blocks ESM 411, 436 and 437. Shell was also successful in acquiring alone one deepwater area in Santos, block SM 518. "We are pleased with the results of the bidding round, which builds on our existing portfolio, giving us an additional platform for growth. It reiterates our long-term commitment to Brazil and strengthens our relationship with Petrobras," said John Haney, Shell EP Vice-President.
