Dana Petroleum awards North Sea drilling contract, defers another

Dana Petroleum Netherlands BV let a contract to Maersk Drilling to drill two development wells as part of Project Unity in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. The harsh-environment jack-up rig to be used is yet to be assigned. The contract—valued by Maersk at $12.1 million—is expected to begin in second-quarter 2021, with an estimated duration of 121 days.

Additionally, Dana Petroleum Denmark BV agreed with Maersk Drilling to defer a previously awarded one-well contract in the Danish sector originally expected to begin in May 2020. Neither a new start date nor an assigned rig have been determined. Maersk Drilling expects to receive a deferral fee.

Prior to beginning the Project Unity contract, the yet unassigned rig will be equipped with a high-efficiency Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system which uses ammonia injection to convert NOx into water and nitrogen to reduce NOx emissions by up to 98%. The design will include an advanced control interface between engines and SCR units, the service provider said.