Statoil hires rig for fast-track projects

March 17, 2011
Statoil let a $400-million contract to Songa Offshore AS for chartering the Songa Delta semisubmersible drilling rig that the company will use to drill and complete producing wells in its fast-track portfolio of small fields on the Norwegian continental shelf.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Mar. 17
-- Statoil let a $400-million contract to Songa Offshore AS for chartering the Songa Delta semisubmersible drilling rig that the company will use to drill and complete producing wells in its fast-track portfolio of small fields on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Statoil describes its fast-track developments as consisting of a single subsea template with a few wells tied back to an existing offshore facility.

Projects identified last year for development under this program are Katla, a satellite of Oseberg Sor; Vidgis Nordost, a satellite of Snorre; Gygrid, a satellite of Draugen or Njord; and Pan/Pandora, a satellite of Visund or Gullfaks. All are expected to start producing in 2012, although Gygrid might not start up until 2013.

Statoil expects to start operations with Songa Delta in summer 2012.

The contract period is 3-years firm, and includes a 1-year option following the completion of the drilling program. Statoil has an option to extend the contract period from 3-4 years firm.

Songa Offshore notes that the contract is inclusive of a rig upgrade element and an associated yard stay prior to contract commencement.

Rig specifications listed by Songa Offshore are that the Songa Delta is an Ocean Ranger-design, column-stabilized semisubmersible capable of operating in water depths up to 2,300 ft. The rig was built in 1981 and modified in 1996. Previous names were Dyvi Delta and West Delta.