Oil and gas producer Wintershall Dea Norge has awarded a contract to Odfjell Drilling to complete the drilling of at least four operated wells next year.
The Aberdeen-based firm’s Deepsea Aberdeen rig will drill the Dvalin North and Bergknapp exploration wells, both in the Norwegian Sea, as well as a minimum of two infill wells on the Vega field in the northern North Sea.
Work is expected to get underway in the first quarter of 2021.
The contract also includes options to drill additional Wintershall Dea operated wells as well as incentives for safe and efficient operations.
Wintershall Dea has also entered into a long-term frame agreement with Odfjell Drilling for potential future rig needs.
The Deepsea Aberdeen is a sixth generation, dual derrick rig, designed to operate in harsh weather conditions.
It recently finished working West of Shetland for BP and will now be housed at the CCB Yard outside Bergen while it prepares for upcoming campaigns.
Kessel-headquartered Wintershall Dea made a discovery at the Bergknapp prospect in spring 2020, which will be appraised with the new rig next year.
The company is also keen to continue exploring the area around its Dvalin gas field, which is set to come on stream around the turn of the year.
Alv Bjørn Solheim, Wintershall Dea Norge managing director, said: “Securing the Deepsea Aberdeen with Odfjell Drilling means we have a first-class rig and drilling partner to support our continued growth on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
“We are committed to generating value from our existing production fields, like Vega, and to continue growing our development pipeline in order to maintain our position on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.”
Nils Petter Norheim, head of drilling & wells at Wintershall Dea Norge, said: “By awarding a drilling contract to Odfjell Drilling and the Deepsea Aberdeen, our ambition is to further build on the “One team” approach and the successful drilling campaign and cooperation with Odfjell during our Maria field campaign.
“I am confident that together with Odfjell Drilling and the Deepsea Aberdeen team, we will work towards the same safe, ambitious, but achievable goals.”
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