Rigs report: low-emissions rigs may generate more revenue

Maersk Drilling reported it could secure an additional payment from a recently awarded Dutch North Sea drilling contract if the rig’s selective catalytic converter (SCR) system is used. Maersk reported a contract with ONE-Dyas BV for jack-up rig Maersk Resolute to drill the IJssel and Clover exploration wells in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. The contract is expected to commence in December 2021, with a firm duration of 84 days.

The contract value is about US$6.9M, excluding an agreed fee for the potential use of the rig’s SCR system. The contract includes two additional one-well options.

Maersk Resolute is equipped with a high-efficiency SCR system that uses ammonia injection to convert NOx into harmless water and oxygen, thereby reducing NOx emissions by up to 98%.

“As part of the global transition to net zero, the E&P sector has an important role and significant contributions to make,” said ONE-Dyas chief operating officer Peter Nieuwenhuijze. “At ONE-Dyas, we have great ambitions in terms of reducing emissions and our impact on the environment. We look to work with like-minded partners and are therefore pleased to have awarded the contract for the upcoming drilling campaign to Maersk Drilling, which is also committed to reducing its environmental footprint and working in a more sustainable manner,” added Mr Nieuwenhuijze.

Currently operating in Dutch waters for Dana Petroleum Netherlands, Maersk Resolute is a 2008-built, Gusto-engineered MSC CJ50 high-efficiency jack-up rig.

“Maersk Resolute and its capable crew is the perfect choice for this campaign with the rig’s recent experience from Dutch waters and its increased capability for providing environmental protection during operations, which is a high priority in the Netherlands,” said Maersk Drilling chief executive Morten Kelstrup.

Last week, OSJ reported on the proposed mega-merger between Maersk Drilling and Noble Corp. The all-stock transaction is expected to close in mid-2022.