Canadian operator Valeura Energy has contracted a jack-up drilling rig for use on its recently acquired Wassana oilfield in the Gulf of Thailand where it is hoping to restart production later this year.

The company, which has its headquarters in Calgary, said it has agreed with PetroVietnam Drilling & Well Service to charter the jack-up PV Drilling I in 2023.

The rig is expected to mobilise to the Wassana oilfield in the second quarter of 2023 for an initial workscope comprising a five-well infill drilling programme.