Awilco commits to newbuild semi drilling rig for service offshore Norway

Offshore staff

SINGAPORE – Awilco Drilling has awarded Keppel FELS a $425-million contract to build a harsh environment semisubmersible drilling rig.

The Moss Maritime-design CS60 ECO MW rig will be equipped and certified for drilling offshore Norway, including theBarents Sea, in water depths up to 5,000 ft (1,524 m).

Delivery is scheduled for late 1Q 2021.

Keppel FELS has also negotiated options to build up to three additional rigs of similar design for the same client over a period of up to three years.

Awilco currently owns and operates the Enhanced Pacesetter semisWilPhoenix and WilHunter in the North Sea area, capable of drilling in water depths up to 1,200 ft (366 m) and 1,500 ft (457 m), respectively.

Keppel FELS said the new rig would be a compact version of the ultra-deepwater CS60 design, configured and outfitted for mid-water depth operations.

Keppel O&M CEO Chris Ong said: “The use of real-time data in the rig’s operations and maintenance will enhance its efficiency and robustness, providing a competitive advantage for harsh environment operations.

“We will also incorporate Keppel O&M’s cost-effective engineering and construction solutions in this purpose-built rig.”

Features will include a hydraulic hoisting system with 2 million pounds of lifting capacity, an optimized 12-point, thruster-assisted mooring system for vessel station keeping, a hybrid power supply and energy-saving features.

There will also be a strong emphasis on digitalization, in, for instance, the condition monitoring systems, which should enhance drilling efficiency and reliability while reducing the likelihood of downtime, Keppel FELS stated.

Jon Oliver Bryce, CEO of Awilco Drilling, said: “We see growing activity in the harsh environment mid-water rig segment with utilization increasing, especially in the North Sea. This will be the third semi to join our fleet. With the options to order another three rigs, we are well positioned for the market recovery…

“The market has a clear preference for high specification rigs from a reliable shipyard like Keppel FELS.”

03/12/2018