MPX North Sea Terminates WilHunter Contract

Awilco Drilling PLC, a UK-based offshore drilling contractor, has received notice of termination of its WilHunter rig contract with MPX North Sea Ltd as a consequence of the technical downtime.

On May 24, Awilco reported that operations on WilHunter which was drilling the Timon exploration well in the UK North Sea, had been temporarily suspended after incurring technical downtime due to equipment failure. The rig was expected to get back to drilling in early June.

The estimated remaining time of the terminated contract was 21 days.

The co-venturers in the well are MPX North Sea Limited (15% and operator), Sorgenia E&P (UK) Ltd (15%), Agora Oil & Gas (UK) Limited (25%), Taqa Bratani Limited (18%), Wintershall E&P Limited (17%), and Valiant Exploration Limited (10%).

WilHunter is expected to complete repairs mid-June and will then continue to its next client in its drilling program in the Central North Sea.  Awilco Drilling currently has a total backlog of approximately USD 394 million. WilHunter is one of Awilco Drilling’s two Enhanced Pacesetter semi-submersibles and is equipped for drilling in water depths up to 1,500 feet.

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Offshore Nieuws Staff, June 04, 2012.