Norwegian energy giant Statoil has contracted 2008-built semi-submersible rig
West Hercules from Seadrill’s North Atlantic Drilling to drill two exploration wells in the Barents Sea.
The contract, valued between $15m and $20m, also includes options to drill another five exploration wells.
Geir Tungesvik, head of drilling and well at Statoil, commented: “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.”
The rig is currently stacked at Skipavik-Gulen in Norway and will be mobilised to start drilling during the Norwegian summer.