Shell takes Awilco rig for UK decommissioning program

Offshore driller Awilco Drilling has signed a contract with Shell UK Limited for the provision of WilPhoenix rig for a decommissioning program of 18 firm wells plus options totaling a further eight wells. 

The firm 18 well program has an estimated duration of 330 days and is scheduled to start around September 1, 2018, Awilco said in a statement on Friday.

The contract value for the firm term is estimated at $38.3 million, the company added.

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.

It is worth reminding that Awilco last February, following a failed deal with Alpha Petroleum, signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed operator for the provision of WilPhoenix.

Following talks to seal the deal, the rig owner now confirmed that this operator is Shell.

The company’s other rig, the WilHunter, has been cold stacked in Invergordon for a while now with no near-term employment prospects.

Awilco Drilling also has one new build rig on order of Moss CS60 ECO MW design equipped for drilling in harsh environments, and independent options for additional three rigs of the same design. The order was placed at Keppel.

Offshore Energy Today Staff