Norwegian oil company Statoil has exercised a one-year option for the use of Deepsea Atlantic semi-submersible drilling rig from August 15, 2014.
Deepsea Atlantic has been drilling for Statoil in the North Sea since 2010. In addition to the one-year option now being exercised, the contract includes another two-year option. Deepsea Atlantic is a sixth generation ultra deepwater semisubmersible rig of enhanced GVA 7500 design. The rig is currently drilling production wells at the Gullfaks field.
The rig is designed for operations in harsh environments and water depths up to 3000 metres. The rig is equipped with a dual derrick and is optimised for production drilling and completion activities. According to Odfjell Drilling, which owns the rig, full winterization may be provided for improved working conditions in arctic environment.