Statoil follows Leader
Norwegian state oil company Statoil has chartered the Transocean Leader drilling unit in a 30-month, Nkr2.3 billion ($365 million) deal.
The contract will start at the end of 2008 and the fourth-generation Aker H-4.2 semi-submersible will be used mainly for exploration and production drilling in the Tampen and Halten/Nordland areas off Norway.
"This contract will be very important in maintaining Statoil's exploration ambitions in the Norwegian Sea, and the rig will contribute to increased production drilling in the group's core areas," said Bjarte Ydsteboe, vice president for rig strategy in Statoil.