Maersk Drilling wins extra work for drillship in Malaysia

Danish offshore drilling contractor Maersk Drilling has secured a contract extension for a drillship operating offshore Malaysia.

Namely, Sarawak Shell Berhad/Sabah Shell Petroleum Corporation (SSB/SSPC) has executed two options on the previously announced contract that will employ the 7th generation drillship Maersk Viking offshore Malaysia. This contract was supposed to start last December.

Maersk said on Tuesday that the first option will be novated to TotalEnergies for the drilling of one deepwater well at the Tepat project, while the second option will be novated to Petronas Carigali for the drilling of one deepwater well at the Layang-Layang project; both projects are located off the coast of Sabah.

The extensions have a total estimated duration of 120 days and are expected to start in July 2022, in direct continuation of the rig’s prior work scope with SSB/SSPC.

The total contract value of the extensions is approximately $32 million, including fees for the use of managed pressure drilling. Three one-well options remain on the contract with Shell Malaysia.

“We’re delighted to confirm these contract extensions for Maersk Viking to continue operating in Malaysia and to be able to support three different operators in a coordinated schedule which will drive efficiency and reduce waste for everyone involved. This will allow the rig’s high-performance crew to build further regional expertise as they continue to deliver safe and efficient wells for the customers involved,” said COO of Maersk Drilling, Morten Kelstrup.

Maersk Viking is a high-spec ultra-deepwater drillship that was delivered in 2013. It is currently mobilising for the contract in Malaysia after completing a drilling campaign offshore Gabon in end-2021. This contract with Petronas was expected to start in 3Q 2021, in direct continuation of the rig’s previous work scope with Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), with an estimated duration of 60 days.