Petrobras Signs Newbuild Contracts for a Dozen Hi Spec Offshore Drilling Rigs

Petrobras signed contracts today with Sete Brasil, Queiroz GalvÃ£o, Petroserv, Odebrecht, Odfjell and Seadrill for the chartering and operation of 12 floating drilling platforms to be built at Brazilian shipyards, Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz (ES) and Estaleiro BrasFELS in Angra dos Reis (RJ). Following commissioning, the rigs will be put on 15-year charters for Petrobras for use in the Santos Basin pre-salt cluster.

These 12 rigs are part of a package of 21 platforms negotiated with Sete Brasil.

Of the six semi-submersible platforms to be built by Estaleiro BrasFELS, three will be operated by Queiroz GalvÃ£o, two by Petroserv and one by Odebrecht. Of the six built by Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz, three will be operated by Odfjell and the other three by Seadrill.

Petrobras has performed a prior analysis of the shipyards for their capacity to meet contractual requirements for the construction of these rigs, which included deadlines and minimum content ratios. Various aspects were verified, such as facilities, commitment with suppliers of goods and equipment, environmental permits, HSE management, and contract management, as well as legal and financial aspects.

The 12 units will be delivered from 2016 and will be capable of operating at depths of up to 3,000 meters, with a drilling capacity of 10,000 meters.