Italy’s Saipem has won two new offshore drilling contracts worth a total of around $550m.
The first contract will keep the 2008-built jackup rig Perro Negro 7 working in the Middle East for 10 more years The Milan-headquartered firm said the 10-year extension is a record duration in the area, which in the past had only been granted to an international contractor on limited occasions. Saipem has recently expanded its presence in the Middle East from three rigs in 2021 to seven expected at the end of 2023.
The second contract has been secured in the Mediterranean Sea for the 2011-built semisub Scarabeo 9. The rig capable of operating in ultra-deep water has been fixed for six months plus an optional period.
“The acquisition of this contract confirms Saipem’s solid positioning in the Mediterranean drilling market, an area which has been characterised over the years by appreciable stability and is expected to be able to contribute to keeping fleet utilisation rates high, the company said in a release.
