Seadrill’s rig trio scoops up drilling jobs in US and Angola

December 16, 2025, by Melisa Cavcic

Seadrill, an offshore drilling contractor, has found more work in the U.S. Gulf and Angola for three mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) in its rig fleet.

Sonangol Quenguela drillship; Source: Seadrill

The first assignment is for the 2014-built West Neptune drillship, which secured a contract in the U.S. Gulf with LLOG Exploration. The four-month program is expected to begin in direct continuation of the current job, adding approximately $48 million to backlog.

The second deal is for the 2013-built Sevan Louisiana circular drillship, which received an award from an undisclosed operator in the U.S. Gulf for a two-month campaign. This gig, which is expected to start in direct continuation of the current contract with Walter Oil and Gas, will feature the maiden deployment of Trendsetter’s well-intervention equipment in the region.

The last and third assignment is a five-well option that has been exercised to extend the 2015-built Sonangol Quenguela drillship’s operations in Angola by approximately ten months, committing the rig into February 2027.

Simon Johnson, Seadrill’s President and Chief Executive Officer, highlighted: “These awards reflect Seadrill’s ability to contract preferentially in direct continuation to current contracts and avoid costly white space in a challenging market phase.

“We continue to build backlog into 2026 and beyond, deepening longstanding partnerships with existing and repeat customers.”

Seadrill has secured many jobs for its rig fleet. The firm’s joint venture (JV) with an affiliate of Angola’s Sonangol secured two contracts a few months ago for a rig duo to undertake drilling work offshore Angola.

The rig owner recently confirmed that its 2011-built West Elara jack-up rig was operating in the Ekofisk field for ConocoPhillips.