Statoil suspends another drilling rig

Norwegian oil company Statoil has suspended another drilling rig under its contract – this time the contract was suspended for one of Dolphin Drilling’s rigs. 

To remind, Songa Offshore recently informed that Statoil would suspend the contract for the semi-submersible rig Songa Delta putting the rig on 75% suspension rate of $277,000 per day.

Dolphin Drilling, a subsidiary of Fred. Olsen Energy, informed on Monday the company has received notice of suspension from Statoil for the 1975-built Bideford Dolphin drilling rig.

The company said that the rig will be suspended upon completion of current well, estimated for the end of June 2016, and that the work is expected to resume in the beginning of October 2016.

The rig, under a three-year contract with Statoil estimated to be completed by the end of January 2017, will receive a suspension rate equal to 80% of operating rate during the suspension period.

Bideford Dolphin is of an enhanced Aker H-3 design – 4th generation spec with 5th generation drilling package.

Earlier this year, the rig suffered damage to the helideck in a storm offshore Norway and had to be repaired.

Offshore Energy Today Staff