Apache North Sea has said it plans to boost its UK spending and headcount as it hands a rig extension deal to Diamond Offshore.
The US-headquartered operator said it has “increased headcount in the UK from 2020 to 2021 and we expect to raise our capital expenditure by approximately 70% from 2021 to 2022”.
Meanwhile, the Ocean Patriot has been awarded a contract to keep it operating in the Beryl area through to August 2024.
The rig has already been working for nearly a decade in the prolific North Sea region and is currently at the Garten field, according to the rig tracking data.
Apache North Sea said: “Since entering the North Sea in 2003, Apache has actively invested in the region optimizing the efficiency and production of our assets and maintaining an inventory of new exploration and development opportunities through the acquisition and interpretation of 3-D and 4-D seismic data.
“We are continuing these efforts by renewing our contract with Diamond Offshore Drilling (UK) for the Ocean Patriot through August 2024. With more than 10 years of continuous drilling with the Ocean Patriot in the North Sea, we are committed to continuing to responsibly develop the energy resources in the UK.”
Apache has been asked to confirm figures for headcount and spending – the North Sea operator went through a redundancy programme in late 2019.
Demand for rigs is soaring in the wake of higher commodity prices, and global vessel utilisation rates are rising, with some segments already sold out.
A spokesperson for Diamond Offshore said: “Diamond Offshore Drilling (UK) Limited has partnered with Apache North Sea Limited since 2014 working collaboratively for almost a decade to uncover near field prospects around the prolific Beryl Field and racking up successful exploration, appraisal and development wells.
“A partnership that has been an integral part of delivering on the full potential of the UKCS and one that will endure as we continue to meet the UK’s energy needs.”
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