Maersk Drilling to Cut 122 Jobs in U.S. After Losing Drillship Contract

Maersk Valiant was built in 2014 and is equipped with dual BOPs as well as an integrated MPD system. The Rig is designed for year-round operation at water depths of up to 3,600 m (12,000 ft.). Photo: Maersk Drilling

COPENHAGEN, Aug 2 (Reuters) – Maersk Drilling will cut 122 jobs in the United States due to the early termination of a contract for deepwater rig Maersk Valiant, a spokeswoman told Reuters.

Maersk Drilling, a unit of conglomerate A.P. Moller-Maersk , said last week it had signed a deal with ConocoPhilips and Marathon Oil to end the contract for the rig with effect from mid-September, a year earlier than originally scheduled.

The rig firm announced earlier in July it would cut up to 140 jobs in Norway due to lack of work for two other rigs.

The offshore drilling industry is facing challenges as oil companies postpone or cancel exploration and development projects due to low crude prices.

Oil in January hit its lowest levels in more than a decade. (Reporting by Ole Mikkelsen; Editing by Mark Potter)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2016.

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