ExxonMobil awards Rowan 'deep shelf' drilling contract

July 20, 2004
ExxonMobil Corp., operator of the Blackbeard West prospect on Newfield Exploration Co.'s Treasure Island play, has awarded Houston-based Rowan Companies Inc. a $28-35 million contract to drill an ultradeep well on the prospect, which lies in shallow water on the Gulf of Mexico's outer continental shelf (OGJ Online, Apr. 22, 2004).

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, July 20 -- ExxonMobil Corp., operator of the Blackbeard West prospect on Newfield Exploration Co.'s Treasure Island play, has awarded Houston-based Rowan Companies Inc. a $28-35 million contract to drill an ultradeep well on the prospect, which lies in shallow water on the Gulf of Mexico's outer continental shelf (OGJ Online, Apr. 22, 2004).

Rowan's new Scooter Yeargain, a "Tarzan class" rig capable of drilling to the required depth exceeding 30,000 ft, will drill the well if it is available. The 1 year assignment is slated to commence in December or in January 2005.

Rowan, specializing in "deep shelf" wells, said it has drilled about two thirds of the wells exceeding 18,000 ft that have been drilled so far in the Gulf of Mexico.