TAQA Bratani, the UK subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi national energy company, said yesterday it had secured drilling rig Stena Spey on a six-month contract.
The semisubmersible will be used for activities including work on the recently discovered Falcon field, with first oil expected in the second half of 2011.
Further drilling and restoring of well integrity will also take place in the Pelican subsea field, adjacent to the Cormorant Alpha platform, with the aim of maximising production.
Leo Koot, managing director of TAQA Bratani, said: “In a tight rig market, we are pleased to continue our close working relationship with Stena Drilling.
“This contract is vital in helping us realise our production targets, sustain our continued investment in our northern North Sea assets, and secure our position as an important oil and gas operator in the North Sea.”
The Stena Spey will be on site in March and the deal includes an option to extend the contract. The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but will run into many millions of pounds.