Italian oilfield services company Saipem has secured an extension of its contract with Norwegian energy firm Aker BP for the semi-submersible rig Scarabeo 8. The extension will keep the rig working on the Norwegian Continental Shelf until the end of 2026.
Originally contracted in March 2022 for a three-year term, the Scarabeo 8 began operations in early 2023 under a deal valued at $325 million. Saipem describes the Scarabeo 8 as a sixth-generation semi-submersible rig, designed for harsh offshore environments.
Saipem gets US$900 million contract for work offshore Norway, Brazil | OilNOW
Currently, Scarabeo 8 is drilling at the Hassel prospect in the Barents Sea and will move on to the Viasat and Ferdinand Nord prospects, located east of the Wisting field. The rig, equipped with both a dynamic positioning system for deepwater and a mooring system for shallow waters, meets the highest regulatory standards.
Scarabeo 8 has a successful track record in the North Sea and Barents Sea, can accommodate 140 personnel, and has a maximum drilling depth of 35,000 feet.
Saipem is a key sub-contractor for ExxonMobil’s Guyana operations.
