Shell secures brand new drillship for long-term contract in the US Gulf

Stena Drilling has received a maiden contract for its new ultra-deep water drillship with a long-term assignment in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Stena Evolution — formerly known as Ocean Rig Crete — has been contracted by Shell for a primary term of five years, with an option to extend, starting in the second quarter next year.

“Stena Drilling are delighted to secure this long-term scope of work with Shell,” said the Scotland-based driller.

"We look forward to the Stena Evolution joining our active fleet and working with Shell to complete a safe and efficient campaign."

The drillship was initially ordered by Ocean Rig from Samsung Heavy Industries in 2014 under the name Ocean Rig Crete.

Ocean Rig was acquired in 2018 by Transocean, which later cancelled the drillship order.

In December 2021, Stena Drilling entered into a purchase option agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries to buy the drillship.

Stena Drilling describes the drillship as the first of the EvoMax series vessels.

The Samsung-design seventh-generation drillship can operate in water depths up to 12,000 feet and drill to depths up to 40,000 feet. It is a prime candidate for upgrading for 20,000-psi well operations.