The hybrid jackup rig Maersk Intrepid has been awarded a contract for the drilling of three wells and plugging of one on the Martin Linge field, Equinor said in a press release on April 30. Maersk Drilling will also get a framework contract with the company. 

The value of the contract is estimated at roughly $100 million, including rig modifications, upgrades and intervention activities, integrated services and any incentive payments for safe and efficient operations. The new contract is scheduled to take effect in September. The contract includes an option to drill one well.

“We are pleased about the agreement we have entered into with Maersk Drilling. It builds on our long-term collaboration and facilitates continuous improvements in safety and efficient progress. This creates value for all parties,” Peggy Krantz-Underland, Equinor’s chief procurement officer, said.

The integrated services in the rig contract are managed pressure drilling (MPD), slop treatment, cuttings handling and tubular running services.

“This will be the first jackup rig to have a hybrid package retrofit as one of several initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during operations. The rig will also be prepared for the use of automated drilling technology. So far, the rig has been used to improve the bed capacity on the Martin Linge platform. We look forward to starting the drilling operations with Maersk Intrepid,” Erik Gustav Kirkemo, senior vice president for drilling and well, said.

Maersk Intrepid is a CJ70 jackup rig tailored for operations in ultra-harsh environment.

Offshore