BP takes over Arctic drilling rig from StatoilHydro
Norwegian energy major StatoilHydro will let BP use the rig Polar Pioneer from year 2011, although the company has a contract with rig owner Transocean until 2014. The Polar Pioneer, one of few rigs licensed for the Barents Sea, will be used in BP’s Skarv project in the Norwegian Sea.
According to Petro.no, StatoilHydro will not replace the Polar Pioneer with another drilling rig. The company maintains however that the strategy for the Barents Sea will remain unchanged. The High North and the Barents Sea will continue to be a high priority for the company.
Still, without the Polar Pioneer, StatoilHydro might however be left without a key instrument in Arctic drilling, which could mean a reduced activity level. StatoilHydro has had major expectations from its drilling in the Barents Sea. Results have however been slim and several company representatives have expressed dissatisfaction with the unsuccessful investments.
In the future, StatoilHydro will however be less dependent on rigs like the Polar Pioneer. As reported by newspaper Dagens Næringsliv this week, the Aker Solutions company has now completed the construction of its two new drilling rigs, the “Aker Spitsbergen” and the “Aker Barents”.
Both the rigs will in long periods be leased by StatoilHydro and offer enhanced chances for new Arctic hydrocarbon findings.
