Italian engineering and energy services giant Saipem has confirmed plans to restart operations on its Perro Negro 7 jackup rig in Saudi Arabia, marking a positive signal for the recovery of offshore drilling activity in the Middle East.
The rig is scheduled to resume work in January 2026 after a temporary suspension.
Originally built in 2008, the Perro Negro 7 operates under a long-term contract awarded by Saudi Aramco in 2011. This agreement was extended in June 2023 for an additional 10 years, underlining Aramco’s continued confidence in Saipem’s offshore capabilities. Operations were paused for a 12-month period in 2024, but Saipem confirmed that the suspension will be fully recovered at the end of the contract, extending its duration until 2034.
Designed for challenging offshore environments, the jackup rig is capable of operating in water depths of up to 115 metres and drilling wells reaching 9,100 metres. It is equipped with advanced technologies that enhance operational efficiency, workplace safety and environmental compliance, aligning with increasingly stringent industry standards.
Saipem views the restart of Perro Negro 7 as a clear indication of renewed momentum in Middle East offshore drilling, a region the company continues to prioritise as a strategic growth market. The move reflects broader industry trends pointing to rising upstream investment and sustained demand for high-specification offshore rigs across the Gulf.
With Saudi Arabia pushing ahead with energy development plans, Saipem’s resumed operations further reinforce its position as a key player in the region’s offshore oil and gas sector.
