The company has agreed to use the semisub at a dayrate of $198,900, starting in late April and running until December this year, with unpriced options for three more wells.

PVEP is the upstream subsidiary of PetroVietnam and has built a substantial operator position over the years on the strength of its growing capability.

The Hanoi-headquartered company did not respond to inquiries as to its intentions for the 10-well programme.

Sources