Ocean Guardian to leave Falklands in March

Offshore staff

LONDON – Desire Petroleum has amended its contract with Diamond Offshore Drilling (UK) for use of the semisub Ocean Guardian in the offshore North Falkland basin.

Under the new terms an undisclosed number of optional wells may be drilled up to March 1, 2012, at which point the rig will depart the Falklands to start a long- term contract for another operator.

Desire must declare exercise of these options on or prior to spudding the previous well in the campaign.

Currently the rig is drilling Sea Lion appraisal well 14/10-9 for Rockhopper Exploration, to be followed by a well on the Desire farm-in area PL004b.

11/03/2011