Odfjell’s New Drillship for Petrobras

By Patricia Maresch, Contributing Reporter

The Deepsea Metro II, a deepwater drillship belonging to Odfjell Drilling and its ship management partner Metrostar will be in Brazilian waters with Petrobras later on this year. The vessel, currently under construction in South Korea, is scheduled for delivery in November. It is Odfjell’s first drillship in Brazil, as well as its first operation for Petrobras.

This, after the company secured a three-year US$ 531 million contract with the Brazilian oil giant, including a potential bonus and a mobilization fee. “We believe Petrobras awarded the contract to Deepsea Metro II as a result of the vessels up-to-date drilling technology and Odfjell Drilling’s excellent track record as a drilling contractor,” said the communications manager for the company’s Norway head office, Sunniva Seteraas.

The oil rig, which will be operating in ultra deep waters off the Brazilian coast, is described as a a highly efficient, state-of-the-art, 6th generation drillship. It is equipped with the latest technology and with a special focus on zero discharge and other green rig features.

Seeteras revealed that Odfjell recently formed a partnership with the Brazilian consortium Galvao/Alusa Engenharia, which she says is well positioned to win contracts for the building of new drillships for Petrobras. “It is strategically important for Odfjell Drilling to establish itself and build its reputation. We have four units that can operate in deep water and can potentially operate in Brazil in the future,” added Seteraas.

Odfjell is a privately-owned international drilling, well service and engineering company with 3,000 employees. The company has nearly 40 years experience, with drilling operations in the North Sea and most parts of the world.

Earlier this year Odfjell opened an office in Rio de Janeiro and is expected to open a new office in Aracaju, in the State of Sergipe, later on this year.

“We have a small number of employees at our office in Rio de Janeiro. The Petrobras contract will of course increase our need for competent personnel. A number of Brazilians will be employed on the Deepsea Metro II and at our new office in Aracaju,” Seteraas said.

During the celebration of the opening of the Rio office, Odfjell’s CEO Simen Lieungh expressed his hope to increase activities in Brazil: “We see Brazil as a particularly important market and wish to become a player in the Brazilian deepwater market in the years ahead.”