Transocean, a Switzerland-based offshore drilling contractor, has added $550 million to its contract backlog by signing new contracts for two ultra-deepwater drilling rigs. These contracts were signed in the Gulf of Mexico, United States, and reflect the high demand for drilling services in the region.
Contract Details
Transocean has signed new contracts for its two ultra-deepwater drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico worth approximately $550 million. These two drilling rigs are designed as DSME 12000 and were built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. The Deepwater Proteus, built in 2015, has secured a ten-well contract with an undisclosed operator in the Gulf of Mexico. This rig is capable of operating at water depths of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) with a maximum drilling depth of 40,000 feet (12,192 meters).
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This estimated 700-day campaign is expected to add approximately $325 million to Transocean's contract backlog and is set to directly continue the current contract of this rig in the Gulf of Mexico starting in the first quarter of 2027.
Deepwater Conqueror Rig
The Deepwater Conqueror, built in 2016, has also secured a five-well contract with an undisclosed operator in the Gulf of Mexico. This rig, designed with capabilities similar to the Deepwater Proteus, is expected to add about $225 million to Transocean's contract backlog, with work commencing in the third quarter of 2027. This contract will also directly continue the rig's program in Equatorial Guinea.
These recent successes for Transocean come after signing contracts totaling $1.1 billion with Shell and Equinor. This indicates growth and development in drilling services in international markets and a strong demand for oil and gas resources.
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