Transocean Equinox semi-submersible drilling rig in Singapore
Offshore staff
MELBOURNE, Australia — The semisub Transocean Equinox has departed Singapore for a five-well drilling contract on the Northwest Shelf offshore Western Australia.
Upon completion of the campaign, the rig will mobilize in first-quarter 2025 for a 16-well drilling program in the Otway Basin offshore southeast Australia for a consortium of operators that includes ConocoPhillips. The line-up includes two exploration wells on the T/49P and VIC/P79 exploration permits.
According to 3D Energi, a partner in these permits, the consortium has additional well options that, if fully exercised, could keep the rig in Australian waters through 2028.
Timing for the exploration drilling remains in part dependent on regulatory approval. In 3D Energi’s case, the environmental plan for its program is out for review by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).
The environmental plan proposes seabed surveys and the drilling of up to six exploration wells in VIC/P79 and T/49P offshore Victoria and King Island.
