Odfjell Drilling Ltd has announced the successful completion of the Special Periodic Survey (SPS) for the Deepsea Aberdeen, which has now resumed operations following three weeks of scheduled downtime.
The Deepsea Aberdeen is a sixth-generation, semi-submersible offshore drilling rig owned and operated by Odfjell, a Norwegian drilling contractor based in Bergen.
It is designed for harsh environment and ultra-deepwater operations, particularly in regions like the North Sea.
With the completion of the Deepsea AberdeenSPS, the company has completed SPS projects across its entire owned rig fleet: Deepsea Aberdeen, Deepsea Atlantic, Deepsea Stavanger, and Deepsea Nordkapp.
Odfjell said that these were all delivered on time and within budget. The average downtime across all four rigs was below initial estimates.
In addition to the core SPS work, Odfjell Drilling implemented significant upgrades.
A new blowout preventer (BOP) was installed on Deepsea Atlantic, and the variable deck-load capacity was increased on both Deepsea Atlantic and Deepsea Stavanger.
Several client-specific efficiency improvements and minor upgrade projects were also completed.
With the SPS programme now concluded, the company expects a reduction in capital expenditure.
Additionally, the completion eases distribution restrictions under the terms of its US$390mn senior secured first-lien bond.
The company’s next SPS is scheduled for the Deepsea Nordkapp in late 2028.
Kjetil Gjersdal, CEO of Odfjell Drilling AS, commented, “Since early 2022, we’ve been preparing for this critical SPS period. With all eight rigs scheduled between 2023 and 2025, careful planning and strong execution have been essential – and I would like to thank the project organisation and every one of our onshore and offshore personnel for their valuable contributions.
“Our rigs are now in prime condition and installed with the latest technologies providing solid foundations to deliver further value and excellent performance. With significantly reduced capex payments going forward and no debt maturities until 2028, we are well placed for further stakeholder returns.”
Recently, Odfjell’s rigs have been active in the North Sea. The Deepsea Aberdeen is drilling for Equinor at the Breidablikk field, with contracts extended to 2026 and potential options until 2029.
