BP hires Ensco DS-6 drillship

BP PLC signed a contract for Ensco PLC’s DS-6 ultradeepwater drillship for 5 years at $522,000/day, plus cost adjustments.
April 4, 2012

BP PLC signed a contract for Ensco PLC’s DS-6 ultradeepwater drillship for 5 years at $522,000/day, plus cost adjustments.

Terms include options for two 1-year extensions at a negotiated rate.

Ensco said the newbuild DS-6 was in Singapore undergoing BP-requested modifications, including enhanced voluntary drilling standards.

The DS-6, equipped with dynamic positioning, has six-ram, 15,000-psi blowout preventers and accommodations for 200 crew members. It can be modified to operate in 12,000 ft of water.

The drillship recently was delivered from Samsung Heavy Industries’ shipyard in South Korea. Based on current estimates, the DS-6 is scheduled to start work late this year.

About the Author

Paula Dittrick

Senior Staff Writer

Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.

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