Seadrill has been awarded a new contract extension by Brunei Shell Petroleum for the semi-tender assist rig West Pelaut. The production drilling assignment has a firm duration of three years, and the contract value is estimated to approximately US$131 million.

The new contract is scheduled to start in direct continuation of the current contract with Shell, at the end of the first quarter 2012.

Alf C Thorkildsen, Chief Executive Officer in Seadrill Management AS, says,"It was Shell's forward thinking and support of the semi-tender assist concept that enabled the construction of West Pelaut as the first semi-submersible tender assist platform drilling rig in 1994. West Pelaut has since delivery worked continuously for Brunei Shell Petroleum and recently received the Shell Rig of the Year Award within the tender/platform category. We view this contract extension as an excellent opportunity to build further our strong relationship with Shell and look forward to continue developing the tender assist concept into deep water projects with Shell as a valued operator."

Tags: Seadrill