On emission reduction quest, Odfjell Drilling furnishes rig with new upgrade

Norwegian offshore drilling contractor Odfjell Drilling has upgraded one of its semi-submersible drilling rigs with a hybrid system to curb emissions.

As part of its energy transition programme, the firm set a target to become net-zero by 2050. To this end, Odfjell Drilling introduced a hybrid/flywheel solution and is continuously assessing how new technology and digitalisation can improve efficiency and safety while minimising emissions.

Odfjell Drilling reported earlier this week that the new hybrid flywheel technology was installed on the Deepsea Nordkapp rig, in a bid to reduce emissions. The offshore drilling contractor explained that this “state-of-the-art system” is part of its zero emission drilling ambition, together with its alliance partners, Aker BP and Halliburton.

As a reminder, Odfjell Drilling was one of the three offshore drilling contractors, which entered into drilling and wells alliance agreements in January 2023 with Aker BP to carry out drilling activities on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

Thanks to this, the Deepsea Nordkapp rig is contracted to the end of 2024 with an option to extend the contract further. In addition, the Deepsea Stavanger rig, which Odfjell Drilling confirmed had a similar hybrid system installed, is joining the Aker BP rig fleet in 2025 for a five-year deal. These rigs are planned to be deployed on Aker BP’s upcoming PDO projects, subject to governmental and license approvals. 

The 2019-built Deepsea Nordkapp – former Stena Midmax – semi-submersible drilling rig, which Odfjell Drilling bought from Samsung Heavy in April 2018, is a sixth-generation dynamically positioned harsh environment and winterized semi-submersible of a Moss-enhanced CS 60E design.