A modular rig by global supplier Archer is set to make its first appearance in the UK continental shelf after securing a £57million deal with Talisman Sinopec.
The two-year deal for the Archer Emerald will see the rig, currently being used off the coast of New Zealand, relocate to the North Sea in early 2016.
The rig will form a key part of Talisman’s project to extend the life of the Montrose area, which was given the go-ahead by the Government in late 2012.
“We are very pleased to have been awarded this contract,” said Kenny Dey, managing director of Archer UK.
“It illustrates Archer’s ability to offer a unique range of expertise as an integrated specialist for drilling services and our commitment to provide safe, innovative drilling and well solutions for the industry,”
“The Archer Emerald’s ground-breaking technology allows for a compact footprint, high specification, fully automated systems and low personnel on board (POB), making it an ideal solution for today’s offshore environment.”
The £1.6billion redevelopment project will look to extend the life of the veteran Montrose and Arbroath oil foundations. Montrose was discovered in 1971, with work beginning in 1976. Talisman Sinopec aim to generate a further 100million barrels of oil from the fields, extending their lifespan to 2030.