Archer to Provide Rig for Talisman’s Operations in UKCS

Archer, a global supplier of drilling and well services, has been awarded a contract for the provision of drilling services with Talisman Sinopec Energy thereby allowing the company to step into the UK Continental Shelf with its Archer Emerald modular rig.

"We are very pleased to have been awarded this contract.  It illustrates Archer's ability to offer a unique range of expertise as an integrated specialist for drilling services and our commitment to provide safe, innovative drilling and well solutions for the industry," Kenny Dey, Managing Director of Archer, said in a note released on Wednesday.

The Archer Emerald is currently operating in New Zealand on the Maui A offshore platform. According to the company, the fully automated systems of the rig are perfectly compatible with the UKCS offshore environment.

The initial two-year contract value is approximately USD 96 million. Mobilization is scheduled to commence during the first quarter of 2016 following a period of rig interface modification.

"The Archer Emerald's ground-breaking technology allows for a compact footprint, high specification, fully automated systems and low personnel on board (POB), making it an ideal solution for today's offshore environment." 

Archer will cooperate with Talisman Sinopec on the Montrose wells.