Nigeria’s relentless bid to ramp up crude production has remained unabated in recent times, this quest can be related to Shelf Drilling’s new drilling award for the Main Pass IV jack-up rig for operations offshore Nigeria. According to the firm, the contract is approximately two years and is scheduled to begin in December 2024.

Shelf Drilling announced in October 2024 the award of two new drilling contracts to provide two jack-up rigs in Nigeria. The recent contract is an addition to the company’s fully executed three-year contract for the Shelf Drilling Achiever jack-up rig for drilling operations offshore Nigeria.

The drilling operations contract in October 2024 included an option for up to two years at rates to be mutually agreed upon. In addition, Shelf Drilling has also secured a two-year extension for the Adriatic I jack-up rig commencing February 2025 in direct continuation of the rig’s current contract in Nigeria, plus an additional one-year option.

Exclusive of the recently above Main Pass IV jack-up rig contract, the combined contract value for the five-year total firm period added for the two rigs, excluding mobilization and demobilization revenue, was valued USD 234 million.

“These contracts in Nigeria contribute significant backlog and revenue visibility for Shelf Drilling in 2025 and beyond. We look forward to delivering continued strong safety and operating performance with the Adriatic I following many years of continuous activity in Nigeria and successfully bringing the Shelf Drilling Achiever into operations later this month,” Greg O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer, has said.

Shelf Drilling is a leading international shallow water offshore drilling contractor with rig operations across Middle East, Southeast Asia, India, West Africa, Mediterranean and North Sea. Shelf Drilling was founded in 2012 and has established itself as a leader within its industry through its fit-for-purpose