Offshore staff
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Maersk Group has taken up an option for two new ultra-deepwater drillships for $1.3 billion.
Both will be built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, and should be delivered during 2Q and 3Q 2014.
The total project cost of around $1.3 billion covers a turnkey contract with the yard, owner-furnished equipment, project management, commissioning, start-up costs, and capitalized interest.
Maersk Drilling also has secured an option for the construction of two further drillships.
“We have an ambition of becoming one of the leading drilling contractors in the ultra-deepwater segment,” said Maersk Drilling CEO Claus Hemmingsen.
The two 228-m (748-ft) long drillships will be of a similar design to two newbuilds Maersk Drilling ordered from Samsung in April. They will be able to operate in water depths up to 12,000 ft (3,650 m), and to drill wells of more than 40,000 ft (12,200 m).
The design follows Maersk Drilling’s high-efficiency philosophy for ultra deepwater semis. Features include a dual derrick, allowing for parallel and offline activities. Extensive storage areas and tank capacities should prove advantageous when operating in areas with less developed infrastructure and fewer suppliers.
Also, the drillships’ higher transit speed and increased capacity should reduce operators’ logistics costs. Both vessels will accommodate 230 personnel.
07/06/2011
