Odfjell Drilling has been awarded a contract by Wintershall Dea Norge AS for use of the Deepsea Aberdeen on exploration wells at Dvalin North and Bergknapp fields and development wells at Vega field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, according to a press release.

As per the contract, four firm and three operational wells will be included, with expected firm duration of 300 days, commencing February/March 2021.

Simen Lieungh, CEO of Odfjell Drilling AS, said, “The Wintershall Dea contract is an important addition to Odfjell Drilling and we look forward to once again working with Wintershall Dea in the Norwegian sector.  The contract is another recognition of Odfjell Drilling’s ability to provide efficient drilling operations in harsh environments.” 

Odfjell Drilling received early termination for its deepsea Aberdeen contract with BP, which was meant to expire in April 2022. However, there is some overlap on the deal as the Wintershall Dea contract falls within the original BP contract duration, thus BP shall be entitled to a reduction in termination fee payments.

In addition, Wintershall Dea and Odfjell Drilling have entered into a long-term frame agreement for potential future rig needs.