A drilling contract worth up to NOK 560 million has been awarded to Transocean for Statoil's Heidrun North development in the Norwegian Sea.
Seven definite wells will be drilled and completed by the company, which is a subsidiary of US contractor Transocean Setco-Forex.
In addition, the contract contains options for two further wells plus a sidetrack to be drilled from an existing well.
The definite part of the job is worth NOK 380 million, reports Magnar Fagerbakke, procurement manager for drilling and well technology. Up to NOK 180 million would be added if the options are exercised.
Seven drilling contractors from the Norwegian and UK sectors submitted tenders.
"Competition between these companies was tough," says Harald Mork, project director for the Heidrun plateau development.
Work on Heidrun North is due to begin on 15 August, and plans call for the seven definite wells to be completed in 450 days.
A replacement rig will be used until Transocean Prospect becomes available from a job on the nearby Norne field, which runs to the end of October.