Based on the previously announced Conditional Letter of Award, Maersk Drilling has been awarded contracts for the deepwater rigs Maersk Valiant and Mærsk Developer from Total E&P Suriname, Suriname Branch, for Total’s exploration and appraisal project in Suriname’s Block 58. Mærsk Developer and Maersk Valiant will be employed for an estimated combined total duration of 500 days. Mærsk Developer is expected to commence operations in January 2021, while Maersk Valiant is expected to commence operations in March 2021. The total value of the firm contracts is approximately USD 100m, including rig modifications, integrated services provided, and a mobilisation fee for Maersk Valiant. The contracts include various extension options.

“We’re thrilled to firm up these contracts, adding further to our long-standing relationship with Total for whom we have a great track record from our collaboration on a number of deepwater exploration projects. We’re happy to add to our presence in the exciting Suriname-Guyana basin and will be able to leverage the fact that Mærsk Developer is already operating offshore Suriname to quickly start up operations including provision of a range of integrated services to maximise efficiency,” says COO Morten Kelstrup of Maersk Drilling.

Mærsk Developer is a DSS-21 column-stabilised dynamically positioned semi-submersible rig, able to operate in water depths up to 10,000 ft. It was delivered in 2009 and is currently mobilising for the Total campaign after recently completing a contract offshore Suriname.

Maersk Valiant is a high-specification 7th generation drillship with integrated Managed Pressure Drilling capability which was delivered in 2013. It is currently warm-stacked in Aruba after finishing a campaign offshore Mexico in June 2020.

About Maersk Drilling A/S

Maersk Drilling designs, develops and operates a global fleet of advanced drilling rigs using cutting-edge technology and know-how. Our modern fleet counts 24 drilling rigs including drillships, deepwater semi-submersibles and high-end jack-up rigs. We create value with our customers through a unique service delivery concept where we customise safe, efficient and consistent drilling services. We build our service around our highly skilled and committed workforce, our state of the art offshore drilling rigs and our 40 years of experience operating in the most challenging.

About Total

Total is a major energy player, which produces and markets fuels, natural gas and low-carbon electricity. Our 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, more affordable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, our ambition is to become the responsible energy major.