Drillship reaches its destination to await its inaugural drilling assignment

A newbuild ultra-deepwater drillship, acquired by Eldorado Drilling, an offshore drilling player backed by a group of well-known Norwegian investors, has arrived in Malaysia, where it will stay until it secures its maiden drilling job.

Eldorado Drilling acquired last year from Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) the Dorado, former West Dorado, newbuild ultra-deepwater drillship, which was originally ordered in 2013 by Seadrill before the order was canceled in the wake of the offshore drilling contractor’s restructuring quest in 2018. The drillship was scheduled for delivery in 2024.

As a result, Pelago Management’s collaborative venture with Eldorado Drilling began in September 2023 to oversee the entire process, covering the delivery of the seventh-generation newbuild ultra-deepwater drillship from Samsung Heavy Industries in Geoje, South Korea, to operational readiness and beyond.

The Dorado drillship started its first journey from Geoje to Labuan, Malaysia, on April 6 and was slated to arrive at its destination on April 18. Pelago Management recently confirmed that the rig dropped anchor in Labuan 12 days after it sat sail from Samsung Heavy Industries in Geoje.

“The rig will be warm stacked until a contract is secured, and contract preparations commence. Great work by our dedicated people on board and support team for ensuring a smooth voyage without any incidents to either crew or vessel,” highlighted the company.

This comes after another drillship, Zonda, previously known as Pacific Zonda, finished its first voyage from Samsung Heavy Industries and came to Seatrium in Singapore. Pelago Management’s venture with Eldorado Drilling oversees the interests of the Zonda, Dorado, and West Draco drillship owners.