Further repairs delay offshore drilling rig release to Statoil

Feb. 5, 2013
Songa Offshore says further work is needed on its semisubmersible Songa Trym before the rig can start a new program offshore Norway for Statoil.

Offshore staff

LIMASSOL, Cyprus -- Songa Offshore says further work is needed on its semisubmersible Songa Trym before the rig can start a new program offshore Norway for Statoil

The rig’s current stay in a Norwegian yard has been extended due to mechanical failures to already overhauled, installed and certified equipment, and late delivery of OEM equipment. All work and acceptance testing probably will be completed during the second half of February.

Once this has been done and client acceptance testing has been completed, Statoil will perform a planned upgrade of the rig’s mud systems at its current location, after which the rig will start the three plus two-years contract under direct Songa Offshore management.

Another Songa rig, theSonga Mercur, experienced problems recently with its BOP system while working for Zarubezhneft offshore Cuba.

However, the problems have been resolved and drilling of the exploration well continues.

2/5/2013