Swiss-based offshore driller Transocean has announced that Reliance Industries exercised an extension option for the Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 drillship in India.
The extension covers four wells and will last 270 days. According to the driller, it adds $111m to the company’s backlog, excluding additional services. Work under the extension is expected to begin in direct continuation of the rig’s firm term with Reliance.
The original six-well deal was awarded in September this year. The firm 300-day program is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026 and will contribute approximately $123m in backlog, excluding additional services and a mobilisation fee. The dayrate for the fixed term is $410,000. The dayrate for the extension, although not disclosed, should be in the same region.
Reliance has more extension options for the rig. The drillship will remain in India through the end of 2029 if all are exercised.
The 2009-built drillship has been working for ONGC since May 2024 and will complete its contract in February 2026. It is working under a $347,500 dayrate.
