Denmark: Maersk Drilling Records Strong Demand for Advanced Drilling Rigs

Since 2011 Maersk Drilling has invested USD 4.5 billion in seven new drilling units currently under construction; three ultra harsh environment jack-ups at KeppelFELS in Singapore and four ultra deepwater drillships at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea.

 Maersk Drilling has signed a contract with ConocoPhillips Company a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Marathon Oil Company a wholly owned subsidiary of Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) for the second ultra deepwater drillship in a series of four identical drillships currently under construction. The USD 694 contract’s duration is three years, with options for up to an additional two years and commencement of operations is expected by mid-2014 upon delivery from Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, mobilization to the US Gulf of Mexico and acceptance testing. The drillship will be equipped with two Blow-Out-Preventers (BOPs).

With the latest contract for the second drillship five out of the seven newbuild rigs have now secured contracts.

“We are pleased to see continued strong demand for our advanced drilling rigs. This contract brings further evidence to our strategic focus on ultra harsh and deepwater drilling and provides firm ground for our ambitious growth plans,” says Claus V. Hemmingsen, CEO of Maersk Drilling and member of the Executive Board of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group.

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Press Release, October 23, 2012; Image: Maersk