Norwegian operator Statoil has extended contracts worth $600million to a number of companies including KCA Deutag, Archer and Odfjell.
The original contracts were given in 2012 by Statoil and were planned ot last four year with options for two-year extensions.
A spokesman for the company said the contracts have now been extended and will continue until October 2018.
The work includes drilling and well services, the maintenance of drilling facilities, in addition to modifications and any optional work.
Options have been exercised for the following suppliers and installations:
Geir Tungesvik, Statoil’s senior vice president for drilling and well, said: “The suppliers have demonstrated innovation and submitted good proposals for continued development of these services, and Statoil is positive to continuing the work with all of the three companies.
“The current contracts will help maintain activity on competitive terms in a market challenged by profitability.”