Odfjell Drilling Opens Brazil Office

Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske opened Odfjell Drilling’s new office in Rio de Janeiro today.

“We see Brazil as a particularly important market and wish to become a player in the Brazilian deepwater market in the years ahead,” says Odfjell CEO Simen Lieungh.

“Brazil’s vast oil and gas reserves represent an excellent opportunity for Norway’s offshore industry given its specialised expertise. The Norwegian authorities wish to play the role of door opener, and I am therefore very happy to open Odfjell Drilling’s office here,” says Trond Giske.

“Odfjell Drilling now plans to expand and build up a company that offers high-quality drilling and engineering services. Odfjell Drilling also has several deepwater units that are very suitable for this area,” said CEO Simen Lieungh in his speech at the formal opening.

Brazilian partnership

Odfjell Drilling has entered into a partnership with the Brazilian consortia Galvao/Alusa Engenharia S.A, , which is well-positioned to win contracts for the building of new drillships for Petrobras in Brazil. In that connection, Odfjell Drilling sees great opportunities for the delivery of follow-up services and for subsequent operation of the vessels.

Positive view of Norway’s Brazil strategy

Odfjell Drilling takes a very positive view of the authorities’ plans for a Brazil strategy that will help Norwegian business and industry to operate in the country.

“We will be happy to provide input to the authorities in connection with their work on this strategy. It is very important both to us and to others that Norway has a strong focus on the growth and development of Norwegian business and industry abroad,” says Mr Lieungh.

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Source:Odfjell Drilling, February  18, 2011;