Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production has awarded key rig extension contracts for two jack-up rigs to Shelf Drilling.

The offshore drilling contractor said in a statement on 27 December that it has “secured contract extensions for the 'Shelf Drilling Chaophraya' and 'Shelf Drilling Krathong' jack-up rigs with Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production", for operations in the Gulf of Thailand.

Shelf said the “extensions are in direct continuation of the planned out of service projects at the end of each rig’s current contract with the same client".

“The duration is 39 months for the Shelf Drilling Chaophraya and 36 months for the Shelf Drilling Krathong, and is expected to commence in third quarter 2022 and fourth quarter 2022, respectively,” Shelf noted.

David Mullen, Shelf chief executive, said the high specification jack-up rigs were “uniquely built [and] fit for purpose for Gulf of Thailand drilling activity".

"The extension of both rigs further demonstrates our valued relationship with Chevron and our commitment to the Kingdom of Thailand,” he added.