Wells Alliance Guyana has named the Stena Carron drillship ‘Rig of the Quarter’, a recognition announced by Stena Drilling last week as the vessel marks 10 years of deepwater operations offshore Guyana.
In a March 5 LinkedIn post, the company said the award reflects the rig’s sustained performance in the country’s rapidly expanding oil sector. “As we celebrate a decade of deepwater operations in Guyana, we’re proud to announce that the Stena Carron has been recognised as the Wells Alliance Guyana Rig of the Quarter,” the company stated.
Stena said the drillship has supported the delivery of several high-value wells while maintaining strong safety and operational standards in the Stabroek Block.
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“The Stena Carron has played a key role in safely delivering high-value wells and advancing Guyana’s position as a leading global energy producer,” the company said.
The vessel is currently the only drillship operated by Stena Drilling in the Stabroek Block. The company previously deployed the Stena DrillMax in the acreage, but its program concluded in 2025. The Stena Carron secured a contract extension and is now scheduled to remain in operation offshore Guyana through December 2026.
Other drillships continue to operate in the block under Noble Corporation, while Stena’s presence in the acreage now rests on the Stena Carron. Since arriving offshore Guyana in 2016, the vessel has supported exploration, appraisal and development drilling in water depths of up to 2,938 meters.
Built by Samsung Heavy Industries, the drillship entered service in August 2008 and sails under the United Kingdom flag. Designed for harsh environments, it uses a dynamic positioning system to maintain its position while drilling in deep and ultra-deep waters.
The vessel measures 228 meters in length, 42 meters in width and can accommodate up to 180 personnel. Its helideck is rated for EH-101 and S-92 helicopters, supporting offshore crew rotations and logistics.
The Stena Carron is capable of operating in water depths of up to 3,000 meters and drilling to depths of 10,700 meters. It features a dual hoisting and drilling tower with a main hookload capacity of 1,000 short tons and an auxiliary capacity of 600 short tons. The vessel is equipped with a fully integrated managed pressure drilling system and blowout preventer equipment comprising two six-ram and two annular stacks rated at 15,000 pounds per square inch. Six Wärtsilä diesel engines and six azimuthing thrusters power the drillship and keep it on station over the well.
Over its years of operation in the Stabroek Block, the Stena Carron has drilled several wells, resulting in confirmed discoveries, including Hammerhead and Seabob. During this time, it has completed 86 well operations and drilled a combined 241,358 meters. Stena said its participation in the industry partnership continues to strengthen drilling performance offshore Guyana.
“We are pleased to be a core member of the Wells Alliance, where working as one team makes a real difference – from enhanced safety performance and well delivery quality to innovation and knowledge sharing across all partners,” the company said.
