Aker Drilling accepts contract for semi
Offshore staff
STAVANGER, Norway -- Aker Drilling ASA and offshore exploration company Aker Exploration AS have entered into an agreement on a tentative three-year drilling contract for the world's largest, most advanced drilling unit.
The companies have agreed on the commercial terms and conditions of the contract for a sixth-generation semisubmersible of the Aker H-6e design. The contract period runs from Oct. 2008 until Oct. 2011, with an option to extend the contract for two more years.
The agreed upon day rate for the three-year contract period is $520,000. Aker Exploration is paying $10 million to reserve the rig through December 2006.
Aker Drilling plans to invest $70 million to meet customer-specified modifications and to equip the semi with risers and anchoring systems to increase the rig's deployment flexibility.
This charter agreement is for the second rig in the construction series, which is to be ready for field operation in Oct. 2008. Delivery of the first drilling unit is scheduled for Feb. 2008.
Aker Drilling's semisubmersible Aker H-6e drilling units are designed for drilling in ultra-deepwater, harsh environments, and cold climates.
The contracted semi will work on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
"Aker Drilling is experiencing significant interest in the company's two identical sixth-generation drilling rigs currently under construction," says Aker Drilling president and CEO Geir Atle Sjøberg. "Demand for deepwater drilling units is strong in an active rig market, and these factors are reflected in the agreed contract price."
12/05/2006