Dana Contracts Maersk Rig for Two Wells

Dana Petroleum Netherlands B.V. has awarded Maersk Drilling a two-well contract, Maersk reported Wednesday.

Maersk stated the approximately US$12.1-million contract calls for drilling a pair of development wells as part of Project Unity in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. The drilling contractor noted the harsh-environment jack-up rig for the campaign has not yet been assigned. It added the estimated 121-day contract is expected to start in the second quarter of 2021.

“We’re happy to add further to our relationship with Dana by drilling these two wells for the Unity gas development project,” commented Maersk Drilling Chief Operating Officer Morten Kelstrup.

Before commencing the Project Unity contract, the rig will be equipped with a high-efficiency Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, Maersk Drilling continued. The firm explained the system uses ammonia injection to covert nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless water and nitrogen, adding that it expects the technology to reduce NOx emissions by up to 98 percent. The drilling contractor pointed out the design will include an advanced control interface between engines and SCR units.

“Operations in the Dutch North Sea come with a strict focus on protecting the environment, and we fully support this as part of our ambition of providing responsible drilling,” explained Kelstrup. “We already have experience with providing NOx emission reductions by using SCR systems on Maersk Innovator in the North Sea.”

Maersk Drilling also reported Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with Dana Petroleum Denmark B.V. to defer their previously announced one-well contract in the Danish sector of the North Sea. Originally slated to commence in May of this year, the contract will now commence at a date to be determined and the rig has yet to be assigned, noted Maersk, adding that it expects to receive a deferral fee as compensation.

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