India’s offshore drilling sector is facing possible major disruption if the nation’s parliament passes proposed new legislation that is likely to be tabled soon — with the extensive fleet of jack-up rigs operating off the country’s eastern and western coasts likely to be among the hardest hit.
The Merchant Shipping Bill seen by Upstream could classify mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) — including jack-up rigs — as vessels, making them subject to age restrictions, multiple drilling sources familiar with the development told Upstream.