Apache hires Jurong-built jack-up rig

Apache Corporation, an international oil and gas exploration and production company, has hired a newbuild jack-up rig for drilling operations in Australia.

The rig, named Noble Tom Prosser is owned by the UK-based drilling contractor Noble Corp. The rig, of the F&G JU-3000N design, is being built in the Jurong Shipyard in Singapore.

Friede & Goldman JU-3000N is a high specification jack-up drilling rig capable of operating in waters of 400 feet and drilling depths of 30,000 feet, suitable for operations in challenging environments.

The contract is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2015, following the transit from Singapore to Australia, and upon a successful acceptance testing by Apache.

Noble Tom Prosser will stay with Apache until the third quarter of 2016 at a day rate of $203.500.