Odfjell Drilling a renowned drilling contractor has announced that the Deepsea Stavanger drilling rig has started its mobilization to South Africa under the Total Luiperd offshore Block 11B/12B contract where the French company is the operator with a 45% interest.

The Deepsea Stavanger recent mobilization is sequel to  the notice of restriction made  from 19 May 2020,   advising the company to hold on mobilization owing to recent outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Odfjell Drilling and Total South Africa have agreed that the semi-submersible Deepsea Stavanger will remain idle in Norway for a period prior to the mobilization of the rig. Odfjell Drilling will be compensated by Total during this idle time.

Once the idle period is complete, the rig will mobilise to South Africa to commence its charter as planned. 
The idle agreement is a reflection of both Parties’ commitment to proceed with the South Africa drilling program and shall provide the framework to navigate the current uncertainty.

South Africa Luiperd prospect Block 11B/12B is located in the Outeniqua Basin approximately 175 kilometers off the southern coast. The block covers an area of 18,734 square kilometers with water depths ranging from 200 meters in the north to 1,800 meters in the south. The Lower Cretaceous Post-rift Paddavissie Fairway, which contains the Brulpadda discovery, is located within the southwest corner of the block. The well encountered oil pay and a total of 57 meters of net gas condensate pay over two Middle to Lower Cretaceous high-quality reservoirs.

Qatar Petroleum and CNRI hold 25% and 20% respectively while Africa Energy holds a 4.9% .

Total also operates (100%) the South Outeniqua Block, located in water depths of 250 to 4,000 meters.

For over 45 years Odfjell Drillinghas extensive contracting experience covering all aspects of operations and the manning of fixed and mobile installations, well services and platform engineering work. The company is a truly international business, currently conducting projects in more than 20 countries, and has operational expertise of semi-submersibles, jack-up platforms and drillships, as well as modular drilling and well intervention rigs.