Statoil has extended the suspension period for a number of rigs due to overcapacity in its portfolio.
The Norwegian company said it meant the the COSL Pioneer, Scarabeo 5 and Songa Trym postponement period would now be longer.
The rigs were initially suspended until the end of the year.
However, Statoil said the COSL Pioneer will now be out of use for an additional seven-and-a-half months.
The Scarabeo 5 and Songa Trym also be out of action for a further one-and-a-half months and one month respectively.
Jon Arnt Jacobsen, head of procurement for Statoil, said: “When the rig contracts were signed it was challenging to ensure sufficient rig capacity.
“Today the activity is facing lower margins, a generally high cost level and subsequent lower profitability.
“It is therefore more demanding to mature profitable drilling targets.
“I would like to emphasise that the suspensions are not related to the rig deliveries. We are very pleased with the work they have done for us.
“These measures are necessary due to the overcapacity of rigs compared to the assignments we are prioritising.
“This situation is unfortunate, and we are doing what we can to minimise the extent of the suspensions.”
Statoil said the extension period for the Songa Trym may be reduced or avoided if acceleration of activities is achieved.