UAE’s ADNOC Drilling, a leading oilfield services provider, has been awarded a substantial $733 million contract by ADNOC Offshore for three state-of-the-art island drilling rigs. These new rigs will support the growing operations at the offshore Zakum field.
Embracing transformative AI technology
Abdulrahman Abdulla Al Seiari, CEO of ADNOC Drilling, expressed the company’s honor in receiving this milestone contract, stating, “These new island rigs will be the most advanced in the world, embracing artificial intelligence – the most transformative technology of our generation.” The partnership with Honghua Group (HH) will enable ADNOC Drilling to harness the creativity and innovation needed to design and build these cutting-edge rigs, he added.
Strengthening ADNOC offshore partnership
Tayba Abdul Rahim Al Hashemi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore, highlighted the key role of ADNOC Drilling’s technical expertise and enhanced capabilities in safely and sustainably accelerating the meeting of global energy demands. This award will further strengthen the partnership as the companies work together to leverage AI and innovation, Al Hashemi added. They will use these technologies to maximize energy, minimize emissions, and unlock significant value, she noted.
Cutting-edge rig design and capabilities
The three new island rigs, to be constructed by HH, will incorporate industry-leading technology and automation. This will include real-time condition, performance, and utilization data analytics to enhance rig performance and efficiency. These improvements will also help in boosting safety and well delivery times. The rigs will also be designed for extended reach drilling. They will further have the capability to walk between wells, dramatically improving operational effectiveness.
Significant investment in fleet expansion
Moreover, the total capital expenditure for the new rigs is estimated at $210 million, primarily concentrated in 2025, with the first full-year revenue expected in 2027. This investment is part of ADNOC Drilling’s ongoing fleet expansion, which is expected to reach at least 148 rigs by 2026.
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