Maersk Drilling orders new rigs for USD 1.2 bln
17 February 2011
"The order is consistent with our strategy to further solidify our position as leading contractor providing ultra harsh high capacity drilling rigs," Maersk Drilling CEO Claus V. Hemmingsen says.
The rigs represent the next generation of ultra harsh environment jack-up rigs. They will have a range of innovative features making them especially suited for ultra harsh environment operations in the North Sea. Targeting the rigs towards the North Sea and in particular towards the Norwegian market is in line with Maersk Drilling's overall growth strategy.
"The decision to invest in additional offshore drilling rigs is based on a strong fundamental view on the offshore drilling industry and our ambition of further strengthening our position in the markets we have chosen to be in," says Group CEO Nils S. Andersen.
Design based on customers' requirements
To meet the customers' needs and ensure that the rigs hold the most optimal features for delivering a safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable operation, the rigs have been designed in collaboration with the customers, the key suppliers and all Maersk Drilling employees onshore as well as offshore.
"That way, we ensure to capture all ideas and utilize the experience across the organisation and to meet our customers' future expectations and needs," Frederik Smidth, Chief Technical Officer Maersk Drilling, says.
With the two new rigs, that are to be delivered end-2013 and mid-2014 respectively, the Maersk Drilling fleet will count 28 drilling rigs including deepwater semi-submersibles, high-end jack-up rigs and cantilevered drilling barges.
The contract includes the option for the construction of one additional jack-up rig to be declared by July 2011.
A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S, press release