Awilco Drilling and operator Apache are at loggerheads over the yard stay for Awilco’s drilling rig WilPhoenix.
The Aberdeen-based driller has issued a statement to investors in which it claims the yard stay for WilPhoenix is now complete and Awilco considers the rig to be, in all respects, ready to drill awaiting Apache North Sea Ltd’s instructions to resume operations.
Earlier this month Awilco said the yard stay for WilPhoenix was taking longer than anticipated and the rig remains berthed at Hartlepool on zero dayrate after undergoing a major overhaul of all major drilling equipment.
The total cost for the yard stay and the installation of the new BOP (blow out preventer) was below the budget of £42.5 million.
“In accordance with the contract, Awilco Drilling considers that WilPhoenix is on standby rate from the completion of the yard stay.”
It said that Apache does not agree the rig is ready to drill nor that Awilco Drilling is entitled to standby rate.
WilPhoenix was demobilised from location on November 17 and arrived at the yard on November 24 last year. The rig has 22 months remaining of its three-year contract.
WilPhoenix is one of Awilco Drilling’s two enhanced pacesetter semi-submersibles and is equipped for drilling in water depths up to 1,200 ft.