Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Aug. 3 -- TNK-BP is seeking as many as 60 dedicated drilling rigs in tenders valued at more than $2 billion. The rigs will be used to maintain output from mature oil and gas fields in eastern Siberia and to prepare for new production in 2008.
TNK-BP wants to lease rigs for as long as 5 years, with options to extend.
"Contractors will be requested to tender advanced rig designs which utilize upgraded, efficient, and environmentally friendlier operating systems and equipment," TNK-BP said.
TNK-BP wants to lease drilling rigs with variable speed drives, mechanical pipe-handling equipment, and triplex mud pumps. Those tendered should have improved HSE features, including a smaller footprint, energy-efficient equipment, environmentally advanced mud systems with reduced fluid discharge, and systems that reduce personnel exposure to safety risks.
More than 20 companies have prequalified to participate in the tender; two thirds of them are Russian. The winners will be informed in October, and rigs are to be in place in January 2008.
TNK-BP described the long-term rig tender as the largest in the Russian industry.
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