Working Conditions Aboard the Noble-Developer

The Maritime Authority of Suriname has released a critical Notice to Mariners regarding upcoming research drilling activities. The Maersk Developer drillship is set to embark on its exploration drilling mission off the coast of Suriname from September 19 to December 3, 2020. The specified drilling coordinates are 07° 21'.270 N – 055° 33'.247 W (WGS 84). In the interest of safety, all vessels are advised to maintain a distance of at least 1000 meters from the drillship. Assisting this operation will be several Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs), including MV Bourbon Topaz, MV Gerard Tide, MV Felton Tide, and MV National Energy Explorer. Key points to remember: • Communication will be conducted via VHF channels 16 and 77. • A designated SAFETY ZONE of 1000 meters surrounds the drilling location. • The Maersk Developer is stationary and will exhibit the necessary navigation signals. All maritime operators are urged to comply with these guidelines to ensure safe and efficient operations in the area.

In a significant development for the offshore drilling sector, Maersk Drilling has clinched a new contract with Shell for the semi-submersible rig Maersk Developer. This 2009-built vessel is set to engage in the drilling and completion of three wells, alongside the suspension of one well, all situated in block E of the East Coast Marine Area off the coast of Trinidad. Additionally, the company has successfully obtained extensions for its jackup rigs, Maersk Resolve and Maersk Resolute, ensuring continued operations in the region. This recent contract not only solidifies Maersk Drilling’s strategic partnership with Shell but also highlights the robust demand for drilling services in offshore Trinidad.

Repsol, the prominent Spanish energy corporation, has entered into a drilling contract with Maersk Drilling for offshore operations in Colombia. The agreement involves utilizing the Maersk Developer semisubmersible to execute drilling of the Siluro-1 exploration well located in the shallow waters of block RC-11, approximately 90 meters deep, off the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Based in Copenhagen, Maersk Drilling operates as a subsidiary of the Danish conglomerate AP Moller Maersk and expects this single-well project to span 42 days. The full contract value amounts to $12 million, covering both mobilization and demobilization costs. The drilling activities are set to commence in the second quarter of this year.