Awilco’s semi-sub to take up Apache contract soon

UK-based offshore drilling contractor Awilco Drilling has informed that its semi-sub rig will leave the yard soon to continue working for Apache in the North Sea. 

Awilco’s 1982-built drilling rig WilPhoenix completed the yard stay in Hartlepool in April. However, at the time, Apache did not agree that the rig was ready to drill nor that Awilco Drilling was entitled to a standby rate.

Following the completion of yard stay, Awilco and Apache were in dialog about how and when to resume operations.

Awilco Drilling informed on Friday the company has agreed with Apache North Sea that WilPhoenix should leave the yard in Hartlepool around June 22, 2016, and resume operations at Apache’s first drilling location around June 26. The rig has 22 months left under its three-year contract with Apache.

WilPhoenix is one of Awilco Drilling’s two enhanced pacesetter semi-submersibles and is equipped for drilling in water depths up to 1,200 ft. Awilco’s other semi-sub, WilHunter, is hot stacked in Invergordon since July 2015.

Offshore Energy Today Staff