Recently, Norwegian drilling rig operator Aker Drilling announced it has signed a charter agreement with Norwegian energy giant Eni for the semi-submersible drilling rig Deepsea Aberdeen.
The project will start in the fourth quarter of 2026, directly continuing the existing contract between the Deepsea Aberdeen and Equinor, which is expected to last until the first quarter of 2029. This contract adds approximately $373 million to the firm order backlog, excluding integrated services, performance bonuses, fuel incentives, and annual price increases.
It is reported that the letter of intent for this drilling rig was awarded last month, with the client’s identity undisclosed at the time. The Deepsea Aberdeen will conduct phased drilling operations on the Norwegian continental shelf (specific scope undisclosed) before relocating to the Fram Sør project in the Norwegian offshore.
The Deepsea Aberdeen was built in 2014 using an enhanced GVA 7500 design, capable of operating in water depths up to 3,000 meters. It has a loading capacity of 7,500 tons and can drill to a maximum depth of 10,670 meters.