Pacific Drilling has provided the details on the status of the ultra-deepwater drill ships.
During August 2011, the Pacific Bora drill ship started its three year bond with a Chevron subsidiary, and is operating continually in Nigeria’s Agbami field. According to the expectations of the industry, the drilling rig has achieved high performance levels.
Along with the formerly announced upgrades and maintenance, the Pacific Scirocco is moving from quayside in South Africa to Nigeria, the place where the drill rig is likely to begin a contract for a year with Total E&P Nigeria during December 2011. The company has obtained preliminary funds from insurance underwriters due to hire insurance claim loss during repairs. The company is expecting to get additional funds, which have been approved and is continuing the discussions on further recoveries.
The Pacific Santa Ana drill ship will complete enhancements before delivery anticipated to be during December 2011, earlier to its mobilization to the US Gulf of Mexico in a contract with Chevron for five years. This is the first dual gradient drill rig in the globe.
During November 2011, the drill rig, Pacific Mistral, reached Rio De Janeiro of Brazil. Currently, the rig will go through acceptance testing with the customers in Petrobras and regulatory supports, before the commencement of operations that are likely to begin in December 2011.
Source: http://www.pacificdrilling.com/