Chinese oil explorer CNOOC Limited has reportedly awarded a five-month drilling contract to the Hai Yang Shi You 981 (HYSY 981) drilling rig.
According to data from VesselsValue, the sixth generation semi-submersible ultra-deepwater rig will start working for the Chinese oil company on May 1. The end date was set for September 30.
The dayrate and the location where the rig will operate has not been disclosed. The latest AIS data show that the HYSY 981 is currently located in the Yellow Sea offshore China.
The rig, managed by China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL), was built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao shipyard.
Offshore Energy Today has reached out to both COSL and CNOOC Ltd. seeking confirmation and further details about the rig’s contract.
In its response, CNOOC said it has no comment on “market rumors.”
The Hai Yang Shi You 981 has a length of 114 meters, a width of 89 meters and a height of 117 meters. With a maximum operating water depth of 3,000 meters and a maximum drilling depth of 10,000 meters, it serves multiple functions of exploration, well drilling, completion and workover in deepwater areas.
The rig attracted international attention back in 2014 after it had been deployed by CNOOC in an offshore area of the South China Sea disputed between China and Vietnam and again in early 2016 for a similar reason.
Offshore Energy Today Staff