NORTHERN Offshore, which was listed on the Norwegian stock exchange less than 12 months ago, believes it is well placed to win drilling work in the UK and Norwegian sectors.
In little over a year, it has invested £500million-plus in drilling rigs, which are operated by its Aberdeen-based subsidiary Northern Offshore UK.
Northern’s recent acquisitions of two semisubmersible drilling rigs, GSF Arctic II and Arctic IV, and three harsh-environment jack-ups, the Energy Exerter, Energy Enhancer and Energy Endeavour, highlight its intentions.
Northern Offshore UK general manager John Monks said: “Our goal is to be recognised as a leading drilling contractor with a strong reputation for delivering results and a top-quality service.”
Northern’s Aberdeen-based fleet is fully contracted, with all the rigs in the North Sea apart from the Energy Exerter, which is working for Gazflot in Arctic waters north of Russia. Mr Monks added: “The Exerter’s contract with Gazflot highlights the wider potential of our Aberdeen-based rigs.
“North Sea experience is exportable to any challenging environment and we believe that a combination of top-quality rigs and experienced people puts us in a strong position for work in the UK and Norwegian sectors, as well as areas such as offshore northern Russia.”