Xcite Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) to provide a harsh environment jack-up drilling rig for its Bentley Field.
The firm said the agreement was struck in a bid to maximise recovery from the field.
The work will also include equipment and personnel to work on the field in the UK North Sea.
Xcite Energy said the final preparations were being made on the specifications of the Keppel FELS rig were being made ahead of its construction in Singapore.
Rupert Cole, chief executive officer of Xcite Energy, said:”We are very pleased that COSL has joined the Bentley development team and this marks the last of the key development group roles to be filled.
“COSL has considerable experience in drilling operations and we believe they possess the skills and expertise to work alongside our other partners in our collaborative and innovative model.
“Selecting this ultra-high specification drilling rig, and constructing it at the Keppel FELS yard in Singapore, is an important part of securing both the future schedule and drilling efficiency of the Bentley project.”
In October Xcite Energy signed an MOU with Baker Hughes for the Bentley Field development.
Bentley’s field development has spurred Xcite Energy to become one of the first firms to get into the spirit of the Wood Review.
As revealed earlier this year, Xcite confirmed it would share technical and operational information with Shell and Statoil to evaluate potential areas of collaboration in the development of Bentley and the neighbouring Bressay field.
