Desire Petroleum says that the rig contract with Diamond Offshore Drilling (UK) Ltd for use of the drilling unit the Ocean Guardian for operations in the North Falkland Basin has been amended.

Under the amended contract an undefined number of optional wells may be drilled up to 1st March 2012, at which time the Ocean Guardian will leave the Falklands on a long term contract with another operator. Desire must declare the exercise of such options on or before the spud of the previous well in the campaign.

The rig is currently drilling well 14/10-9 for Rockhopper Exploration PLC who have announced they will follow this with a well on the Desire farmin area PL004b.

Desire is investigating all the possibilities to utilise the Ocean Guardian until the end of the contract.

Tags: Desire Petroleum plc