The sixth-generation rig, which is winterised for operations in the Arctic region, will replace Diamond Offshore’s 1982-built Ocean Vanguard that was originally scheduled to drill the probe at the Apollo prospect in the northerly Hoop area.
Confirming the switch, a Statoil spokesman informed Upstream it was “part of the normal optimisation of our rig portfolio” when asked to explain the reason for the move, with the Ocean Vanguard now to be redeployed on drilling work elsewhere.
Norway’s
