Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK – Demand for modern high-end semisubmersible drilling rigs remains strong offshore Norway, according to Awilco Drilling.

There is only limited available rig capacity in 2019, the contractor added, with only around one-third of available rig days in 2020 still clearly available.

Typical day rates are around $300,000 excluding bonuses.

In the UK availability is also decreasing and increased demand will likely mean the currently marketed semi fleet will soon be fully contracted for summer 2019.

Awilco expects attendant day rate pressure and reduced seasonality in the region with higher utilization levels during winter of 2019 and into 2020.

One of the company’s two North Sea semis,WilPhoenix, started operations in 3Q for Shell UK at the Puffin field in the UK northern North Sea.

Last month the company signed a contract amendment granting Shell UK three additional options on the rig: each covers drilling of a single exploration well within or at the end of the current decommissioning program.

11/13/2018