USA: Ensco International has taken delivery of 'Ensco 8501', the second of the seven ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs being constructed by Keppel FELS in Singapore. The rig will soon commence an expected 50-day mobilisation to the US Gulf of Mexico, where it will undergo deepwater sea trials and final outfitting prior to its three and a half year term drilling contract with a subsidiary of Nexen and Noble Energy.
Drilling operations are expected to commence in mid-October 2009.
"We anticipate a smooth startup of operations following final outfitting, sea trials and deep water acceptance testing once 'Ensco 8501' arrives in the Gulf of Mexico," said Dan Rabun, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ensco International.
"Our other five ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles under construction are progressing on schedule."
Rated for work in 8,500-foot (2,590-metre) waters, Ensco's new ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs may be modified to drill and complete wells in water depths up to 10,000′ (3,048 metres).
In other news, Ensco announced on June 8 that it terminated its contract for the 'Encso 69' jackup drilling rig with Petrosucre, a subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, the national oil company of Venezuela (PDVSA).
According to Ensco, Petrosucre had failed to pay past invoices. Ensco said it would pursue legal remedies.
