Bourbon supporting Shell’s drilling ops offshore Bulgaria

Bourbon Marine & Logistics has won its first integrated logistics contract to support Shell’s exploration campaign in the Black Sea, Bulgaria. Bourbon is partnering up with Bulgarian operator Bon Marine.

Shell is expected to start drilling an exploration well in the Black Sea using the Noble Globetrotter II drillship next week and the operation will last around three to four months.

Bourbon did not say how much it would earn but said the contract was significant. The project scope covers the full logistics solution project management, offering for the first time both Marine logistics together with shore logistics: marine services, logistics base, warehousing, port facilities, cargo carrying units, waste management, customs clearance, Bourbon said.

Bourbon Marine & Logistics will jointly perform the services with its partner Bon Marine and will operate from Varna (Bulgaria).

“Working with a strong local partner is fully part of Bourbon Marine & Logistics local content strategy. Two large supply vessels will be dedicated to the project and as well as the latest digital data management tools,” Bourbon said.

Reuters on Tuesday reported, citing a Shell Bulgaria manager, that the exploration well at the Block 1-14 “Khan Kubrat” license area would be spud on April 1.