Dolphin Drilling expects the semisubmersible drilling rig Blackford Dolphin to start operations offshore India this summer.
Last month Oil India issued a Letter of Award for a 14-month program plus a 7-month option period.
The rig’s existing drilling contract with GHL off Nigeria is due to expire in late March. Dolphin has experienced delays in collections on the contract and remains in dialogue with GHL and its financiers on resolution and the steps to complete the drilling program.
Earlier the company terminated a contract signed with Peak Petroleum for the same rig, citing continued breaches by Peak of its contractual obligations. Peak, however, disputed the termination, leading to court proceedings.
In the North Sea, following Dolphin’s acquisition last summer of the semis Paul B. Loyd, Jr. and Transocean Leader, the company, in co-operation with Transocean, has obtained approval of its Safety Case from the UK Offshore Major Accident Regulator (OMAR).
Paul B. Loyd, Jr.’s drilling contract with Harbour Energy has been extended to February 2028 and Harbour has options to use the rig for a further five years thereafter.
Dolphin Leader remains stacked in the UK and the company is considering a sale of Bideford Dolphin for scrap.
Borgland Dolphin is due to start an exploration drilling campaign for EnQuest in UK waters in April 2025, following a program of reactivation, upgrades and renewal of class certificates. EnQuest has an option to use the Borgland for further work in future.
In addition, the rig has a Letter of Intent for more UK-based activity starting in direct continuation from the EnQuest scope.
