Dolphin Drilling’s semi-sub rig lands another gig off Nigeria

March 9, 2023, by Melisa Čavčić

Offshore drilling contractor Dolphin Drilling has inked another deal for a semi-submersible rig, which will extend the rig’s backlog offshore Nigeria.

Blackford Dolphin rig; Source: Dolphin Drilling

Dolphin Drilling revealed on Thursday, 9 March 2023, that it had signed a new contract for the Blackford Dolphin semi-submersible rig with Peak Petroleum Industries Nigeria Limited (Peak Petroleum) for operations off Nigeria.

According to the offshore drilling contractor, the new contract has the potential to extend the rig’s backlog by a minimum of 120 and up to 485 days, in addition to the existing General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) backlog. The effective day rate associated with the minimum firm period of the contract is $325,000, including the mobilisation fee.

Bjørnar Iversen, CEO of Dolphin Drilling, remarked: “The final award of the contract for Blackford Dolphin shows the opportunities in Nigeria at a strong day rate, in addition to building on the backlog for the rig. It also underlines the attractiveness of our assets, and we look forward to returning to revenue-generating operations in 2023.”

The work with Peak Petroleum has been secured in direct continuation of the 12-month contract with General Hydrocarbons Limited, after a letter of award for more work in Nigeria, which was announced in January 2023.

As a reminder, Dolphin Drilling announced the formal 12-month contract award in October 2022, following a letter of award (LoA) for the Blackford Dolphin semi-sub rig from September 2022 for operations in Nigeria.

The Blackford Dolphin rig embark on its journey to Nigeria in February 2023, after completing its recertification for a new five-year period in Las Palmas, Spain, where it underwent a special periodic survey (SPS) at the shipyard, allowing for continuous work until 2028. The rig is expected to kick off its 12-month drilling contract with General Hydrocarbons Limited in early March 2023.