Singapore-based tender rig specialist Energy Drilling Management has signed a deal with Seadrill Partners to maintain, market and operate three tender rigs owned by Seadrill, with markets in Asia and Africa in its sights.

With this management agreement, Energy Drilling will effectively market and eventually operate a fleet of six tender rigs comprising four barge-type and two semi-submersible type tender rigs.

The three tender rigs — Seadrill-T15, Seadrill-T16 and West Vencedor — are currently stacked in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia and plans are in place to transition them from Seadrill to Energy Drilling.

Energy Drilling said it will actively market these rigs in the region and in West Africa, common markets for the deployment of tender rigs for development drilling on fixed platforms in shallow waters and spars and tension-leg platforms in deep-waters.

“This transaction will help consolidate the tender rig sector as we enter into a market that is showing early signs of recovery," said Energy Drilling chief executive Marcus Chew.

“We are impressed by the knowledge and professionalism shown by the (Energy Drilling) team throughout the selection process.

"Their effective cost structure and their unique focus on the tender rigs segment of the drilling market will translate to the best chances of helping these assets to get back to work," said Seadrill Partners chief executive aid John Roche.

Rigs And Vessels

Rig pact: Singapore-based player signs deal with Seadrill for tender rig trio