Aker Solutions has received a Letter of Award from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), to supply a further two drilling equipment packages to the 'Category D' drilling rigs the yard is building for the rig operator Songa Offshore. Contract value is undisclosed.

The development of the Cat D semi-submersible drilling rigs has been initiated by Statoil, the international energy company. The Cat D drilling rig is a new generation drilling and well intervention vessel, purpose made for the needs for North Sea operations. The first contract, for two drilling equipment packages, was announced in the summer of 2011. Now, the customers have exercised options for another two equipment packages.

The two units will be delivered in 2015. The contract includes topside drilling equipment, procurement and commissioning of the rigs at the DSME yard.

"The development of the new rig concept has been enabled by combination of Aker Solutions' field-proven equipment and systems expertise, and our flexible and competent engineering capabilities. We look forward to extend and continue the strong cooperation with DSME, Songa and Statoil," says Thor Arne Håverstad, head of Aker Solutions' drilling technologies business.

Work on the project will start immediately in Kristiansand, Norway, and in other Aker Solutions drilling technologies units in Asker, Norway, Erkelenz, Germany and Houston in the US.

Aker Solutions offers complete drilling equipment packages, including project management, engineering, procurement and commissioning. The company provides the full range of topside drilling equipment and systems, and worldwide customer support through our global drilling lifecycle services organisation.