In a tale of maritime marvel, a Diamond Offshore Drilling-owned semi-submersible rig has spread its wings—or rather, its steel legs—and dived into drilling action off the coast of Australia. With a recent special periodic survey (SPS) under its belt, courtesy of Singapore, the Ocean Apex rig is ready to take on a series of drilling challenges, starting with its partnership with Woodside for a two-well drilling extravaganza.
Picture this: The Ocean Apex, a semi-submersible rig that underwent a comprehensive five-year SPS at Singapore’s Seatrium shipyard, has now set its sights on Australia. And guess what’s on its to-do list? An exciting rendezvous with Woodside, marking the kickoff of its drilling dance on the Australian stage.
Gratitude fills the air as the rig owner extends a hearty thanks to the dedicated rig crews, the Woodside teams, and all the service providers who’ve eagerly joined hands to revive the drilling rhythm. This grand reunion follows the rig’s safe return after its SPS voyage at Seatrium in Singapore.
But wait, there’s more! Beyond the Woodside adventure lies a treasure trove of opportunities. The rig has secured a bustling lineup of assignments with multiple operators in the Australian domain. This enthusiastic rendezvous is scheduled to continue well into the late first quarter of 2025. And just maybe, the show might extend through the third quarter of 2025, depending on the activation of certain options.
As the Woodside chapter unfolds, the rig gears up for its next chapters. With Inpex as its partner, the rig’s next gig is all set to grace the stage in October 2023, promising a thrilling performance until July 2024. Following the Inpex encore, it’s time to switch gears for a rendezvous with Santos. This spotlight dance is projected to continue until February 2025. But here’s the kicker: Santos is holding onto a secret stash of five priced option wells, each with a tantalizing estimated duration of 160 days.
But wait, the saga doesn’t end there. As the curtains close on the Santos spectacle, a new act takes shape. This time, it’s Chevron in the spotlight, with the gig slated to wrap up in March 2025. The fine print of the U.S. oil major’s deal with Diamond Offshore reveals a hidden gem—a one priced option well, bringing a 40-day encore to the stage.
Let’s unveil the star of our tale: The Ocean Apex rig, a creation of 2014, packs a punch with its impressive specifications. Armed with a robust maximum hook-load capacity of 1,000 tons, it flaunts a 15k five-ram preventer and a knack for diving into water depths of up to 6,000 feet. When it comes to drilling depths, this virtuoso can venture down to an astounding 30,000 feet. And let’s not forget its show-stopping move—the variable deck load that supports a whopping 7,000 long tons. As the grand finale, it’s got cozy crew quarters to house 140 personnel, ensuring comfort amid the waves.
With a pocket full of contracts and extensions garnered in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the UK, and Senegal during the second quarter of 2023, Diamond Offshore is riding the waves of optimism. A surge in day rates and fleet utilization is on the horizon, promising a bright and bustling future for the rig fleet. So, keep your eyes on the horizon; there’s more to come in this captivating maritime saga.
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