Offshore rig day rates heading for highest level in ‘almost a decade’
The offshore drilling rig market is “much tighter” than previously thought, according to new analysis, with some segments “nearly sold-out”.
Rigs & Vessels
Images: Pod of orcas spotted near Stena Don drilling rig off Scotland
Stunning photos have been shared online of a pod of orcas passing by an offshore drilling rig off Orkney.
Impact of Noble, Maersk Drilling merger to hit North Sea ‘especially hard’, analyst predicts
Choppy waters could be ahead for the North Sea drilling sector with the number of rigs potentially poised to decrease.
CMA considers options in Noble-Maersk merger review
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether there are “reasonable grounds” to approve the merger of Maersk Drilling and Noble Corp, following the proposed sell-off of several North Sea rigs.
FPSO for delayed Penguins project ‘progressing well’ says Shell boss
Construction work is “progressing well” on the Penguins FPSO - the first new manned vessel for Shell in the northern North Sea for 30 years - following a series of delays.
Damen orders crew change vessels and DEME Orion takes shape
One of Europe’s most successful shipyard groups, Damen, has decided to build on spec a trio of crew-change vessels for the rapidly expanding offshore renewable energy services market.
Future ‘very uncertain’ for Aberdeen drilling firm Awilco
Analysts have said it “could be the end of the line” for Aberdeen-headquartered Awilco Drilling after the firm agreed to offload the remains of its fleet.
Well-Safe Solutions adding 100 jobs after agreeing £12.4m deal to buy WilPhoenix from Awilco Drilling
Dozens of roles are to be added to Well-Safe Solutions after the company struck a multi-million pound deal to buy a semi-submersible rig.
A ‘supercycle’ in oil rig day rates could be imminent, say industry experts
A supercycle in oil rig day rates could be around the corner as confidence floods back to the North Sea.
CMA finds Noble-Maersk merger ‘could increase operating costs’ for North Sea
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has flagged concerns over the proposed merger of Noble and Maersk Drilling, saying it could increase costs and reduce service quality for oil and gas producers in the UK North Sea.
Maersk Drilling sells Convincer rig to ADES in $42.5m deal
Maersk Drilling has reached a deal to sell its Maersk Convincer oil rig to Middle East and Africa-focused driller ADES for $42.5 million.
Sailaway for Shell’s Penguins FPSO pushed back to Q3
It is understood that the sailaway for the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Shell Penguins field has been delayed.
Noble and Maersk Drilling to sell off several North Sea rigs to overcome merger hurdles
Maersk Drilling and Noble Drilling are preparing to sell a series of oil rigs, currently stationed in the North Sea, in order to get over competition hurdles.
Rig demand rises with higher oil prices as North Sea activity picks up
With oil consistently above the $100/barrel threshold, demand for rigs is set to continue its ramp up, with the North and Barents Seas marked as hotspots, according to data from rig analysts Esgian.
Westwood bolsters rig market capabilities with new senior appointment
Leading energy consultancy Westwood Global Energy Group has appointed a new research director to its RigLogix team.
North Sea operator targets third ‘first gas’ this year
A North Sea operator is targeting "first gas” from its third field this year as a problematic project gets back on track.
Hurricane Energy agrees charter extension with Bluewater for the Aoka Mizu FPSO
Troubled North Sea oil firm Hurricane Energy has struck a deal to extend the stay of the FPSO on its flagship Lancaster field.
Seadrill names former Borr boss Simon Johnson as new CEO
Seadrill has named Simon Johnson, the former head of rival firm Borr Drilling, as its new CEO.
‘Various options’ on the table as EnQuest pushes ahead with Bressay and Bentley prospects
Operator EnQuest (LON: ENQ) is exploring a range of options as it draws up plans to develop two major North Sea prospects.
Taskforce launched to support ‘shipbuilding renaissance’ in UK
A new organisation has been launched today aimed at fostering a “shipbuilding renaissance” across the UK.
Workers on Catcher FPSO put at exposure risk to lethal levels of toxic gas
BW Offshore has been ordered to improve after workers were put in serious danger on Harbour Energy’s (LON: HBR) Catcher field.
Sentinel Marine expands fleet with £62m of bank funding
Scottish offshore support vessel specialist Sentinel Marine has taken delivery of a new multi-role offshore support ship.
Awilco Drilling appoints insolvency experts after losing £6.8m HMRC case
Aberdeen-headquartered Awilco Drilling has appointed insolvency experts for one of its subsidiaries after losing a £6.8 million case against HMRC.
Valaris warns costly rig reactivations await after 2021 results
Offshore driller Valaris (NYSE: VAL) said its “transitional period” post-Chapter 11 bankruptcy will continue into the second quarter of this year as it deals with costly rig reactivations.
Analysts predict surge of idle FPSOs as market overflows
More than 20 floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels are currently awaiting redeployment across the globe.