Norwegian operator Statoil is said to be in the market to find a rig to drill seven wells on Aasta Hansteen.
According to reports in Norwegian media, the company had planned to use the West Hercules rig, but following the suspension of the project from next year to the second half of 2018, Statoil
now plans to look at a new rig contract.
A spokesman for Statoil confirmed it was on the lookout but is yet to undertake a formal bidding process.
He said a market inquiry had been made in order to get a hint of what a deepwater drilling rig on the Norwegian Continental Shelf would cost from next year onwards.
Earlier today, Statoil revealed new footage of construction on Johan Sverdrup.