Danish offshore drilling rig operator Maersk Drilling has received a contract from French oil major Total to supply two deepwater rigs in Suriname.
The two semi-submersible rigs, named Mærsk Developer and Maersk Valiant, will be used for an exploration and appraisal project in Block 58 offshore Suriname.
Total holds a 50% interest in the block and hydrocarbon exploration firm Apache owns the remaining stake and serves as the operator.
Mærsk Developer is planned to start operations this month while Maersk Valiant in March.
Mærsk Developer and Maersk Valiant will undertake the campaign, which is planned to last for 500 days.
The contract value for both rigs is $100m, including rig upgrades, integrated services, and a mobilisation fee for Maersk Valiant. The contract also includes extension options.
Maersk Drilling COO Morten Kelstrup said: “We’re thrilled to firm up these contracts, adding further to our longstanding relationship with Total for whom we have a great track record from our collaboration on a number of deepwater exploration projects.
“We’re happy to add to our presence in the exciting Suriname-Guyana basin and will be able to leverage the fact that Mærsk Developer is already operating offshore Suriname to quickly start-up operations, including the provision of a range of integrated services to maximise efficiency”…
