New Contract for Jack-up Rig 'Maersk Giant'

Maersk Drilling has signed a contract with Talisman Energy Norge for the ultra-harsh environment jack-up 'Mærsk Giant' for drilling operations in the Norwegian North Sea.

The duration of the contract is one year, and Talisman Energy Norge has options to extend the contract up to a total of three years. The contract is expected to commence in mid-third quarter 2014 and the estimated value of the firm contract (one year) is USD 137 million.

“We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Talisman Energy Norge, which is a highly valued customer of Maersk Drilling. Norway remains a focus area for Maersk Drilling and the award confirms our strong position with the customers in the Norwegian market,” says Claus V. Hemmingsen, CEO of Maersk Drilling and member of the Executive Board of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group.

In addition Maersk Drilling adds that they have three XL Enhanced (CJ-70) jack-ups under construction that will enter the Norwegian market in 2014 and 2015 thereby increasing Maersk Drilling’s presence in Norway. The three rigs have all secured long term contracts. The XL Enhanced rigs are designed to operate in the harsh environment found in the North Sea and comply with all rules and regulations in the strictly regulated Norwegian sector.