Archer begins new chapter in delivery of platform drilling services to Equinor

On October 1, 2018 Archer transitioned over four new and nine existing operations to the “Drilling Services Fixed Platforms” contract with Equinor previously awarded on April 3, 2018. 

Grane platform; Credit - Øyvind Hagen - Equinor
Grane platform; Credit – Øyvind Hagen – Equinor

Archer now provides integrated drilling, engineering, rentals and well services on 13 of the 20 Equinor production drilling and quarters (PDQ) platforms on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, the company said on Wednesday.

Joachim Bengtsson, Archer’s Operations Manager for Equinor, said: “Following contract award in April, both our onshore and offshore teams have worked relentlessly to ensure a safe and effective start up and transition on all platforms. We have cross trained Archer and service contractor personnel, whilst also increasing our workforce by over 400 personnel.”

According to the company, the new contract work scope, coupled with the four additional platforms (Grane, Gullfaks A,B,C), has significantly increased the Archer employee family and Archer now has over 1,000 personnel dedicated to delivering operational excellence and ensuring maximum value through reducing total well cost for Equinor.

Archer noted it will continue to grow its organization over the coming months as it integrates and delivers additional services. The contract ensures Archer’s continued operations for Equinor in the Norwegian continental shelf until at least October 1, 2022, with a value of more than NOK 6 billion based on the current drilling schedule. There are further contractual options which can secure operations until 2028.

Bengtsson added: “This contract represents a new chapter in the delivery of platform drilling services to Equinor, whereby the drilling contractor, service contractors and Equinor will collaborate as one team, and jointly deploy resources and skills to optimize well deliveries. Our main objectives are improved efficiency, reduced POB and cost per well, reduced carbon foot print and reduced risk exposure for personnel with no harm to people as our first priority.

“We will accomplish this through close collaboration, continuous improvement through effective recording and sharing of lessons learned, and a win-win performance culture. We firmly believe this is and will be the future operational model in Norway.”

Also on Wednesday, Archer secured a contract extension with a major operator for two more years.