Spartan Offshore has received a further extension from Century Offshore that will now keep jackup Spartan 303 under contract through May 2012. The rig has been working for Century since mid-February.

Hercules Offshore received contract extensions for two jackups recently. First, Hall-Houston extended its deal on the Hercules 212 for two wells in East Cameron Block 160. The rig is currently under tow to the new location, with work expected to keep the rig busy for around 90 days, making it next available for work around the end of January 2012. Pisces Energy has also exercised its option on the Hercules 263. The rig has now arrived on location in South Pelto Block 13 where it is expected to be until mid-December when a 50-day contract with Tana Exploration in set to begin. The Hercules 150 has arrived in Sabine Pass where it will undergo 45-50 days of leg repairs after it suffered a punchthrough trying to get on Tarpon Offshore’s location in West Cameron Block 265. It has not yet been determined if Tarpon will wait for the rig or switch to an alternative unit. The jackup is also scheduled to go to Arena Offshore for a 45-day ...

Block Mexico state oil giant Pemex has confirmed jackup contract awards for three outstanding tenders, confirming two of the awards March 9 and the third on March 10. For the three-rig Tender 503-11, Noble Drilling won both of the 350-IC requirements, consisting of a 272-day term for the Noble Leonard Jones starting March 19 and a 286-day contract for the Noble Bill Jennings (currently in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico) starting March 21. For the 250-IC portion of the tender, Perforadora Mexico won the 286-day program with its Sonora starting March 20. For the two, 2,000 hp platform rig portion of the bid, the joint venture of China Oilfield Services, Ltd. (COSL) and Goimar SA de CV were the sole bidders. The COSL-1 will undertake the 716-day program starting April 1, while the COSL 2 will work under a 274-day term starting April 2. Both rigs are currently working for Pemex.

In Tender 504-11, which called for three, 300-IC jackups and one 250-IC jackup, Noble Drilling won two of the four awards. The Noble Gene Rosser was confirmed for one of the 300-ft awards, a 248-day program starting April 28, while the Noble Earl Frederickson won the 250-IC contract, ...

Diamond Offshore Drilling Ltd. received an extension from ANKOR Energy, LLC to keep jackup Ocean Titan for another 15 days. The rig moved late last week to South Marsh Island Block 73. It is understood ANKOR is trying to obtain permit approval for a workover and an additional new well that would keep the rig busy for another 45 days. Diamond also received a 52-day extension from Pemex that will keep jackup Ocean Summit working until February 21. It is not yet known what the rig will do after the current term ends, but indications are that it will not stay in Mexico.

Equipment testing has begun on Pride International newbuild drillship Deepwater Ascension in Mississippi Canyon Block 727. Reports continue to circulate that BP will mobilize the rig out of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. While the destination cannot yet be reported, it is expected to be for a multi-year term. The rig could depart the area by late February, but the date could be pushed back. Newbuild drillship Deepwater Clarion arrived in Galveston, Tex., on January 6, with acceptance testing to begin around mid-January. The rig has a five-year contract with BP, but reports indicate the rig ...