Odfjell Drilling has signed a letter of award (LOA) with Vår Energi for a 2019-built semi-submersible rig that it purchased at the end of 2025, extending the unit’s firm contract backlog until Q1 2031.
The scope of work awarded for Deepsea Bergen includes a period of three years, starting in early 2028, following completion of its current contract.
The firm backlog covered under the LOA has an estimated contract value of $518 million, including mobilization fees, but excluding annual escalation, integrated services, performance bonuses and fuel incentives, Odfjell Drilling said.
“At Odfjell Drilling, we like to maintain close, long-term relationships with our clients and the terms included in this LOA allow both Vår Energi and Odfjell Drilling to invest in a long-term partnership arrangement which will enable Deepsea Bergen to deliver the safest and most efficient drilling possible,” said Kjetil Gjersdal , Chief Executive Officer of Odfjell Drilling.
“Separately, we are also very pleased to have secured a long-term contract award for the Deepsea Bergen less than twelve months after our acquisition of the unit. The Deepsea Bergen has confirmed its capability to deliver world-class operational performances, and we look forward to seeing the unit working with Vår Energi to achieve their exciting business objectives.”
To remind, Odfjell Drilling acquired the semi-submersible rig from Northern Ocean in December 2025, later renaming it from Deepsea Bollsta to Deepsea Bergen.
The rig was in June put in charge of drilling activities at Equinor’s production license 190 , which is valid from September 9, 1993, until the same date in 2032.