Equinor has, on behalf of the Haltenbanken West Unit and Halten East licences, awarded Transocean Spitsbergen a firm drilling programme consisting of nine wells and optionsfor another two. The value of the contract is estimated at around NOK 2.4 billion, including the options.

The rig is scheduled to start the drilling campaign in the autumn of 2023 for three production wells for the Haltenbanken West Unit, which is part of the Kristin South area in the Norwegian Sea. Subsequently, six production wells are planned for Halten East, which will be tied in to the Åsgard field in the Norwegian Sea, before considering another two wells on Kristin South. The whole drilling programme, including options, is estimated to last for slightly less than two years.

Transocean Spitsbergen already has a framework agreement with continuing options and has been drilling for Equinor on a continuous basis since 2019.

“Transocean has over an extensive period demonstrated that they deliver safe and efficient drilling operations for Equinor. Vi have therefore signed a long-term contract with them for a drilling programme for Halten East and Kristin South,” says Geir Tungesvik, executive vice president for Projects, Drilling & Procurement.

“We are pleased that we have now established predictability for these two operated licences. Thanks to the framework agreement with Transocean, we had an efficient process for both parties, truly leveraging the effect of our long-term collaboration,” he says.

Transocean Spitsbergen is a 6th generation dual-derrick winterised semi-submersible rig capable of drilling high-pressure/high-temperature formations, and is equipped with an automatic drilling control system. The rig is currently being used for well completion on the Snorre field.

The estimated contract value includes drilling services such as casing running, slop treatment, cuttings handling and two remotely operated vehicles (ROV).

About Equinor

Equinor (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR), is an international energy company with a proud history. Formerly Statoil, we are 20,000 committed colleagues developing oil, gas, wind and solar energy in more than 30 countries worldwide. We’re the largest operator in Norway, among the world’s largest offshore operators, and a growing force in renewables. Driven by our Nordic urge to explore beyond the horizon, and our dedication to safety, equality and sustainability, we’re building a global business on our values and the energy needs of the future.

About Transocean

Transocean (NYSE: RIG) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. Transocean specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.

Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 37 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh environment floaters. In addition, Transocean is constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.