Statoil awards drilling contracts worth NOK 30bn
Statoil has on behalf of relevant licensees awarded contracts for drilling services on as many as 18 fixed installations on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). The contracts are worth a total of NOK 30 billion, including options. This represents the biggest contract award by Statoil on the NCS since 2010, the Company press release said.
KCA Deutag, Odfjell Drilling and Archer have been awarded the contracts, which includes drilling of new wells, plugging of old wells, workover and maintenance of drilling facilities on 18 of Statoil’s 20 fixed platforms on the NCS.
“Efficient drilling and well services on existing fields are important to maintain production on the NCS and to deliver according to Statoil’s production forecast of 2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020,” says Margareth Øvrum, executive vice president for the Technology, Projects and Drilling business area.
Statoil is cooperating closely with the supplier industry, which has an essential role, both with regard to operations and development projects on Statoil operated fields. 95% of all drilling services on a platform are provided by supplier companies.
The duration of the contracts is four years plus options for three times two-year extensions, totalling 10 years.
The work will employ around 2000 people during the period. This contract provides a long-term perspective on drilling services for both Statoil and the supplier industry going forward.
“Safe and efficient drilling operations are fundamental for Statoil and the suppliers play a key role in this regard,” says Øystein Arvid Håland, senior vice president for the drilling and well cluster in Statoil.
“They are the ones who carry out all the drill floor operations which must be done in a safe and good manner every day. The suppliers we have chosen have over time demonstrated a will and ability to meet Statoil’s strict requirements for health, safety and environment.”
Replacing the existing contracts the new contracts will come into effect in October 2012.