Blue Ocean Drilling awards jackup contract to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding

Blue Ocean Drilling awards jackup construction contract to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding

SHANGHAI -- Blue Ocean Drilling Limited has entered into contracts with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding in China for the construction of a pair of identical Gusto MSC CJ50 jackup rigs. 

The rigs will be based on the Gusto MSC CJ50 design, and equipped with NOV drilling, well control and mud systems. Caterpillar engines will be installed, and accommodations will be met for 150 persons, up from standard design of 120.

The rigs will comply with worldwide regulatory requirements, including the UK sector of the North Sea, according to a press release.

The rigs are scheduled for delivery in first-quarter 2017 and third-quarter 2017, respectively, from the S.W.S. shipyard located in Shanghai, China. These contracts were executed from a previous agreement Blue Ocean Drilling made with the shipbuilder in early 2014 for the construction of two Gusto MSC CJ 46 jackup units scheduled for delivery in 2Q and 4Q 2016, respectively.

Blue Ocean Drilling Limited has a further option under the Option Agreement for construction of two additional Gusto MSC CJ 50 rigs of similar design.

Blue Ocean Drilling is a Cayman Islands company dedicated to the operation and management of a fleet of offshore drilling rigs.