NDC contracts two premium jackups from Ensco for Abu Dhabi (UAE) drilling
Ensco plc (“Ensco”) has announced that it has entered into a three-year contract with National Drilling Company (“NDC”) for the ENSCO 110 jackup rig. This newbuild rig is scheduled to commence operations later this month offshore Abu Dhabi (UAE) at a rate of approximately USD114,000 per day. NDC has also contracted ENSCO 104 for a similar three-year term at a day rate of USD114,000. The rig is mobilising to the Middle East from the Asia Pacific region and is scheduled to commence its new contract in late-June 2015. Chief Executive Officer Carl Trowell commented, “We are pleased to extend our relationship with NDC. The Middle East is the largest market for premium jackups, and we continue to invest in new rig technology for the benefit of customers. ENSCO 110 is based on the Keppel FELS B Class Bigfoot design, which is capable of working at water depths up to 400 feet with a maximum drilling depth of 30,000 feet. The rig has a nominal variable deck load of 7,500 kips and a cantilever load of 2,500 kips. It includes a 1.5 million-pound derrick, TDS-8 top drive and 4-ram 15,000-psi BOP. Ensco customized the rig to add dual drilling fluid capability and upgraded the living quarters to accommodate 150 persons on board. ENSCO 104 is based on the KFELS Class B design. The rig operates in water depths up to 400 feet with a maximum drilling depth of 30,000 feet. The rig has a variable deck load of 8,025 kips and a cantilever load of 1,675 kips. It includes a 1.5 million-pound derrick, TDS-8 top drive and 4-ram 10,000-psi BOP.