PC Gabon Upstream SA (PCGUSA), a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), has awarded Danish operator Maersk Drilling an ultra-deep water exploration contract in Gabon for 24 million USD. This contract represents Maersk’s first drilling campaign in Gabon.
The firm contract for a well with PCGUSA is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2021, with an estimated duration of 60 days. The firm value of the contract also includes mobilization and demobilization costs.
The 7th generation Maersk Viking drill vessel will be used to drill an ultra-deep water exploration well approximately 2,100m water depth in Block F13 off Gabon. Maersk Viking is a premium ultra-deep drill vessel delivered in 2013.
“We are delighted to extend our international relationship with PETRONAS, with whom we have worked on deep water wells in the Far East, the Americas and now West Africa,” said Morten Kelstrup, COO, Maersk Drilling. “We are looking forward to our very first campaign in Gabon.”
Maersk Drilling is currently operating offshore Brunei Darussalam, and the drilling contractor has indicated that the rig will drill four wells for Shell Malaysia after the PCGUSA contract is concluded.
