North America Rig Market News

摘要

Utilization of the marketed jackup fleet has grown to around 85 percent compared to 77 percent one month ago. Also, contract backlog is growing, with a number of units now commited through the hurricane season. The deepwater floater market continues to be fully utilized, however some availability of mid-water semis is showing from mid-year onwards. USA GULF OF MEXICO: Apache has extended the contract of Diamond Offshore jackup Ocean Titan by three wells for a program in West Delta 96. Commencement will be in direct continuation of the rig's existing commitment with the operator, expected around the end of May. The three-well work scope has an estimated duration of around 150 days, giving an earliest availability for Ocean Titan of late October. The jackup has been working with Apache since March 2007. Jackup Ocean Summit meanwhile has received a verbal commitment from Energy Partners (EPL) to drill an additional well in South Timbalier Block 26. The unit is scheduled to conclude current operations with the operator around April 12. The one-well extension would keep the Summit working until mid-May.