Maersk Giant Rig Wins North Sea Work with DONG Energy

Denmark's Maersk Drilling announced Monday that it has secured a contract for its Maersk Giant (350' ILC) rig with DONG Energy.

The $16-million contract will see the Maersk Giant used to work on the Nini and Siri field in the Danish North Sea for 150 days. The contract is a direct continuation of Maersk's current contract with Talisman Energy, which will keep the Maersk Giant employed until March 2016.

The Maersk Giant is an ultra-harsh environment jack-up rig. It is equipped for high-pressure/high-temperature drilling and is designed for year-round operation in the North Sea in water depths of up to 350 feet.

Maersk Drilling CEO Claus Hemmingsen commented in a company statement:

"We are very pleased to continue our good corporation with DONG Energy, one of our key customers in the North Sea.

"In order to navigate the low visibility in the current market, it is essential that we reduce our exposure by securing a solid contract backlog. Therefore, it is also rewarding to see that we secure employment for the Mærsk Giant, which otherwise would have been stacked."