Seadrill has exercised an option to build a new ultra-deepwater dual derrick drillship at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea.
Total project price is estimated at US$600 million and the delivery is scheduled for the third quarter 2013.
The new unit is similar to the two drillships Seadrill ordered from Samsung in November 2010 with enhanced water depth capacity, technical capabilities as well as increased accommodation capacity compared to previous generation drillships.
The dynamic positioning drillship will be capable of operations in water depths up to 3,700 metres, and will have a hook load capability of 1,250 tonnes. This rig is also to be outfitted with a seven ram configuration of the BOP (Blow Out Preventer) stack, especially targeting operations in challenging areas such as the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and West Africa. The drillship will also be equipped with a 165-tonne capacity heave compensated crane enhancing the unit's operational flexibility and facilitating lifts on the seabed in water depths up to 3,000 metres.
