2008-built ultra-deepwater drillship returns to Seadrill’s fold ahead of first foray into South Korea

Bermuda-headquartered offshore drilling contractor Seadrill has brought a sixth-generation ultra-deepwater dual-activity drillship back under its management wing before the rig embarks on its first-ever drilling assignment in an East Asian nation on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula.

While disclosing that the West Capella drillship is back in Seadrill’s coveralls, the rig owner underlined its “rich history” with the mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU), spanning almost two decades ever since the drillship’s construction in 2008.

Originally built by Samsung in South Korea, the rig returned to Seadrill’s management at midnight on September 14. The drillship, which has an operational history encompassing Southeast Asia and West Africa, will start its next drilling campaign in December 2024.

“This milestone contract not only represents our first venture into South Korea but also opens up new opportunities for collaboration and growth in the region. We’re looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead and the continued success of the West Capella,” highlighted Seadrill.

The one-well, 40-day contract for the West Capella drillship was confirmed in May 2024 with an undisclosed operator in South Korea. The deal, valued at approximately $32 million, covers a mobilization fee of around $10 million and excludes fees for additional services.

The rig was expected to finish its work in Indonesia in August 2024. The Layaran-1 and Tangkulo-1 exploration wells, drilled in South Andaman, off North Sumatra’s coast were spudded with the rig, based on the data from Mubadala Energy.

With a maximum drilling depth of 37,500 ft and a water depth of 10,000 ft, the 2008-built West Capella sixth-generation ultra-deepwater dual activity drillship can accommodate 180 people.

Seadrill completed the sale of three jack-up rigs deployed in Qatar and associated interest in the Gulfdrill joint venture a few months ago.