Norwegian company Odfjell Drilling has secured a $50million East Africa contract for its currently completing sixth-generation deepwater and harsh-environment semi-submersible drilling rig, Deepsea Stavanger.
The award, by Ophir Energy, means this new unit will drill the first deepwater wells offshore Tanzania – blocks 1, 3 and 4. Ophir is the operator of Tanzania’s blocks 1, 3 and 4 with 100% interest, in partnership with BG, which is farming into the blocks for a 60% interest. The contract is scheduled to start next month. It provides for the drilling of two firm wells with provisions for a third.
“We estimate the contract at 100 days. The rate is around $450,000 per day,” said Ketil Lenning, Odfjell Drilling’s managing director.
The dual-derrick new-build, Deepsea Stavanger, is set to be delivered by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering this month.
This 10,000m (30,000ft)-capability semi is designed for environmentally sensitive areas and Odfjell says the utmost focus has been put on zero-discharge low emissions and electrical solutions to reduce onboard oil volumes and associated pollution risks. Separate drain systems are installed for the machinery area, drilling area and all outside clean deck areas. No drain water is discharged without passing a cleaning system which ensures acceptable oil content. Key elements of the drive towards creating a “green” rig include:
Enclosed derrick which prevents mud spill to the sea.
All drain lines routed to a central cleaning unit by use of several tanks and pumps.
Discharge from mud pits by pumping – no gravity discharge.
Waste management system implemented.
Low emission of NOX; clean design engines.
Closed-loop BOP (blowout preventer) control system.
Electrical drawworks with power regeneration.
Despite making its debut in the tropics, Deepsea Stavanger has been designed and fitted out to work with equal facility in Arctic conditions.