Semisub rig owner Dolphin Drilling has been awarded additional time for one of its rigs by Oil India Limited.
Oil India extended the initial three-well firm campaign for the 1974-built Blackford Dolphin, set to last for 14 months. The contract was awarded in March 2024.
However, the work did not start on time. The project was delayed by an arrest order for the rig following a termination of the contract with General Hydrocarbons Limited due to missed payments to the offshore driller.
The rig arrived in Indian waters in October 2024 and started its $154m drilling contract in the following month. The work was supposed to start as early as the second quarter of the year.
Oil India has exercised its option to extend its drilling contract for an additional 120 days through to May 10, 2026, to complete drilling, testing, and abandonment work at locations off east India.
The extended term of the scope of work is based on the same rate and terms as the existing contract.
