Saipem rig back at work offshore Saudi Arabia
Saipem has resumed drilling operations offshore Saudi Arabia with the Perro Negro 7 jackup rig, after receiving clearance from Saudi Aramco.
The rig had worked for Aramco since 2011, and it was awarded a 10-year extension in June 2023. This was then suspended temporarily the following year.
Saipem said compensation for the 12-month suspension period will be paid once the rig completes its contract, now expected in 2034.
Perro Negro 7 can drill in water depths of up to 375 ft deep and to a subsurface depth of up to 9,100 m.
Moreover, Saipem reported that it closed the year with a series of contract awards in the Black Sea and offshore Norway and Saudia Arabia.
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Saipem and Subsea7 entered into a binding agreement on their planned merger in July 2025. The newly combined company will be renamed Saipem7. Completion of the proposed combination, following regulatory approvals, is targeted for the second half of 2026.
About the Author
Jeremy Beckman
Editor, Europe
Jeremy Beckman has been Editor Europe, Offshore since 1992. Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years, working for a variety of electronics, computing and scientific journals in the UK. He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally. He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production.