The drillship has been on contract with Statoil since 2009, supporting Statoil’s exploration activities in East and North Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. Statoil was in the current environment unable to secure additional activity for the rig for the remainder of the contract period, ending in May 2016, the company said in its press release.
“Discoverer Americas has been a very good performer for Statoil, contributing to test deep-water and ultra-deep water prospectivity in Tanzania, Egypt, and the Gulf of Mexico and appraising the multiple high-impact discoveries in Tanzania. All operations were performed with solid drilling efficiency and a good safety culture. Without additional activity lined up, we unfortunately have to let the rig go prior to contract end,” says Tore Aarreberg, head of rig procurement.