OMV hires Archer’s modular rig for New Zealand drilling

Oslo-listed offshore services company Archer has secured a contract with OMV in New Zealand for the provision of drilling services using the modular drilling rig (“MDR”) Archer Emerald, including associated services, materials, equipment and personnel.

Archer said Monday the contract was for five wells, with two one well extension options on OMV’s Maui A platform located in the Tasman Sea in New Zealand.

OMV New Zealand owns and operates the Maui gas field having acquired the 83.75% share from Shell Exploration NZ and the 6.25% share from Todd Energy at the end of 2018. According to OMV, until 2008 Maui was the country’s largest gas field. It now meets a third of New Zealand’s gas needs.

Archer said that the firm contract commitment with OMV is estimated at 11 months, with a further 5 months for the optional wells. Following a period of rig reactivation and pre-operation acceptance testing, the MDR will be mobilized from Norway to New Zealand with drilling expected to start March 1, 2020.

Kenny Dey, Archer’s Vice President for Platform Drilling: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract which reinforces our position as the leading provider of harsh environment offshore modular drilling rigs with our commitment to provide safe and efficient drilling solutions,” said

“This award demonstrates the confidence our client has in our modular rig technology and personnel following Emerald’s first successful drilling campaign on Maui A between 2012 and 2014. We look forward to working closely with OMV. Our personnel is committed to delivering safe, efficient and successful wells.”

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