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 well, originally planned to begin in late December. Should Tarpon switch rigs, the 150 would likely go to the Arena work from the yard. Further details on the rig’s schedule will be reported as it is determined. Hilcorp Energy has signed a contract to take jackup Hercules 204 for a 30-day well in Ship Shoal Block 209. Work is currently slated to begin in late November, but current operator Stone Energy has a remaining option on its contract that could push the start into December. Jackup Hercules 300 is now waiting on weather to move to a new well for Arena Offshore. The open water location will be in the East Cameron Block 328 where the rig has been working. Jackup Hercules 251 is scheduled to move to location in High Island Block A-171 on November 1, where it will undertake its 100-day well with Hall-Houston. The rig has been on standby while waiting for the operator to secure its permit. Finally, it is understood Chevron has extended its contract to keep jackup Hercules 264 through June 2012. The rig has just completed operations in West Cameron Block 18 and will be moving shortly to the next location, believed to be in Vermilion 245.
Apache Corporation has extended its contract for Rowan jackup Cecil Provine. The new 90-day term now keeps the rig busy through January 2012. The rig is currently working for Apache in South Marsh Island Block 281.
Upgrade work continues on Diamond Offshore jackup Ocean Titan and semi Ocean Yorktown at the AmFELS yard in Brownsville in preparation for upcoming contracts with Pemex. Work on the Titan is expected to last for another week or so, while the Yorktown upgrades will likely not be completed until around the end of the month. Pemex will have the Ocean Titan for a 777-day program, and for 930 days with the Ocean Yorktown.