The VALARIS 144 Rig: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Journey and Operations in Angola

The VALARIS 144 rig is en route to Angola to commence a new drilling assignment with ExxonMobil, marking a significant milestone in the offshore drilling industry. This guide delves into the contract specifics, rig preparations, voyage details, and future assignments, providing a holistic view of this critical operation.

Overview of the Assignment

The contract with ExxonMobil, valued at $1.5 billion, is a significant milestone for the VALARIS 144 rig. The assignment, which began on January 1, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude in December 2026, involves ExxonMobil as the operator. The rig, measuring 120 feet in length and 144 feet in width, was meticulously prepared for its voyage at the Kiewit Shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas. The preparations included successful loading onto a heavy lift vessel and the commencement of the voyage to Angola, demonstrating the rig’s readiness and the company’s commitment to the project. The contract also includes provisions for future assignments, such as a 13-well contract, ensuring seamless transitions and continued operations [Open.edu].

Preparations at Kiewit Shipyard

The preparations at the Kiewit Shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, were pivotal for the VALARIS 144 rig’s journey. Renowned for its expertise in heavy-lift operations, the shipyard ensured a meticulous planning process for the rig’s safe and efficient loading onto a heavy lift vessel. Key milestones included final inspections, the loading process, and preparations for sea. Despite minor weather-related delays, the crew’s expertise and the rig’s robust design ensured a successful transit to Angola, highlighting the shipyard’s crucial role in this significant project [Kiewit Shipyard].

Arrival and Initial Operations in Angola

The VALARIS 144 rig’s arrival in Angola marked a significant milestone, with the vessel setting sail from Corpus Christi, Texas, on December 15, 2024. The rig successfully navigated the Atlantic Ocean and was promptly offloaded upon arrival. The drilling campaign, scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2025, includes a 45-day contract for the initial well. Kiewit International, the operator, ensured seamless integration of the rig into the local infrastructure. The 45-day program focuses on drilling one well, part of a larger 13-well contract valued at $50 million. This phase’s successful completion sets a positive precedent for future collaborations between Kiewit International and the Angolan government [Source].

Contract Overview

The contract between Valaris and ExxonMobil, signed in 2022, is a pivotal agreement in the offshore drilling industry, spanning five years with an estimated value of $1.2 billion. The VALARIS 144 rig, a state-of-the-art semi-submersible drilling unit, is equipped with advanced technology and a crew of 120 specialists. Preparations included meticulous inspections and loading onto a heavy lift vessel at the Kiewit Shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas. The voyage to Angola, covering approximately 5,000 nautical miles, was meticulously planned. Key milestones include the successful completion of the first well in June 2023 and the anticipated completion of the 13-well contract by December 2027 [OpenLearn].

Contract Details

The contract between Valaris and ExxonMobil, valued at approximately $2.5 billion, reflects the project’s comprehensive scope. The VALARIS 144 rig, equipped with advanced technology, is designed for deepwater drilling. Preparations at the Kiewit Shipyard in Corpus Christi, Texas, included meticulous inspections and maintenance. The voyage to Angola was carefully planned, with key milestones such as sea trials and final preparations at sea. The contract includes provisions for extensions, highlighting the rig’s capability to handle multiple drilling operations. Relevant statistics, such as the rig’s ability to drill up to 12,000 feet per day, underscore the rigorous planning and execution of this significant drilling project [Open.edu].

The VALARIS 144 rig’s journey to Angola underscores the dynamic nature of the offshore drilling sector. With a robust contract and strategic preparations, the rig is poised to make a substantial impact on ExxonMobil’s operations. As the industry continues to evolve, such assignments highlight the importance of innovation and efficiency in drilling operations.

Sources

• Open.edu – [Article Title] (Accessed: 2025-01-29)