Peter Howard Wertheim
OGJ Correspondent
RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 22 -- Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) announced two competitive rounds for contracts for deepwater drilling rigs.
The company said proposals could include delivery in 2009. Petrobras took the step because of a global shortage of rigs.
It is interested in a rig able to drill in 3,000 m of water and available by March 2009 and a rig able to drill in 2,400 m of water available by June 2009. The rigs must have dynamic positioning. The contract terms will be 5 years.
The 3,000 m rig will drill under contract to Petrobras America, a Petrobras subsidiary operating in US, for 4 years in the Gulf of Mexico and for fifth year for Petrobras off Brazil.
The 2,400 m rig will work off Brazil.
Delivery of technical and commercial proposals is set for the beginning of March.
Petrobras is expected before then to open one or two more bidding rounds for deepwater rigs.
