Reports are that Rowan Companies newbuild jackup Rowan EXL-IV may have a signed contract in place by the end of this week. While the potential customer is not known, market intelligence indicates Apache Corporation could be the operator getting the rig. The LeTourneau Super 116-E design rig, delivered from the Keppel AmFELS yard in Brownsville, Texas, on September 1, is currently undergoing systems testing while waiting on work and is expected to leave the yard in October.

Hall-Houston Exploration finally received its permit and now has jackup Hercules 212 on location in High Island Block 205. The ADTI turnkey well is expected to take around 30 days to complete. Meanwhile, jackup Hercules 214 has wrapped up operations for Apache Corporation in Main Pass Block 69 and is now on standby while it waits for its next contract to begin. That work will be for Phoenix Exploration Company, LP in nearby Main Pass Block 59 on a job that was switched from jackup Hercules 253. That rig is also on standby in West Cameron Block 38 while it waits to begin a threewell, 120-day contract with Hall-Houston, now expected to be in early October. Tana Exploration Company, LLC will then ...

Market reports are that Noble Drilling could take two semis out of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico area for international work. Rumors have been circulating that the Noble Paul Romano will move to Egypt for a four-well contract with Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, Ltd. starting in November; it is understood the final contract details are still being worked out. The rig has been idle in the gulf since late May 2010. Also, reports are that the Noble Amos Runner may also depart the Gulf of Mexico. While few details are known, it is believed the rig could be headed to South America. Further information will be published if and when a final contract is in place.

Diamond Offshore jackup Ocean Titan has moved onto location in South Timbalier Block 264 for the start of a newly awarded, three-well, 45-day contract with Magnum Hunter Resources Corp. The rig had been stacked since mid-June prior to receiving the new contract. Upon completion in the first half of September, the rig will begin 50 days of shipyard preparation for a contract with Pemex. The contract term, originally slated for 872 days starting August 13, will now run for 777 days from mid-November ...

Diamond Offshore jackup Ocean Titan was the low bidder on Part 1 of Pemex Tender 514-11 opened on July 5. The program calls for a 350-ft IC jackup for an 872-day contract starting August 13, 2011. Final award will be made July 19. The rig has been stacked in West Cameron Block 84 since mid-June after it completed a contract with ANKOR Energy. In Parts 2 and 3 of the tender, no bids were submitted for either; the requirements were voided and will be re-tendered at a later date.

ABS surveys and repair work have been completed on jackup Hercules 120, and the rig has returned to its contract with Chevron, moving to South Timbalier Block 37 late last week. The rig is under contract through the end of the year, with two 6-month options remaining. Jackup Hercules 204 has begun the final well of its contract with Pisces Energy, LLC. The well in Ship Shoal Block 227 is scheduled to take about 30 days, after which the rig will go to Stone Energy Corporation for a two well, 60-day contract. With all the work, the rig would next be available in mid-October. Breton Energy, LLC received its permits ...