TotalEnergies Signs Up Drillship Tungsten Explorer for West Africa Work

Vantage Drilling International has reached an agreement with TotalEnergies to supply its Tungsten Explorer to the latter for at least 225 days for the West Africa work. Vantage says the firm part of the contract is worth about $79 million, with the possibility of three more extensions.

The ultra-deepwater drillship is currently working in the Mediterranean, where it will drill two wells. After that, it will be mobilized to West Africa, which Vantage said is expected to come in the third quarter of 2022.

Ihab Toma, CEO of Vantage, said, "We are pleased that Tungsten Explorer will be returning to work for TotalEnergies. This agreement reflects the confidence our customers have in Vantage's operations team and Vantage's track record of providing safe and reliable operations in West Africa."

Tungsten Explorer is currently drilling the Cronos-1 well offshore Cyprus for Eni Group and Total. It has previously been working offshore Egypt. Vantage has recently been downsizing its fleet. In May, it completed the sale of the emerald, sapphire, and aquamarine rigs to ADES Arabia. the Saudi Arabian-owned company paid $170 million in cash for the three jack-up drillships.

Toma said the deal strengthens Vantage's balance sheet and provides "important financial flexibility" and that Vantage now owns two ultra-deepwater drillships and two premium jackups.

Created in 1924 to enable France to play a key role in the great oil and gas explorations, TotalEnergies has always been driven by a pioneering spirit. It has discovered some of the world's most productive oil fields.

The vessel Tungsten Explorer (IMO: 9631735) is a Drill Ship that was built in 201 and is sailing under the flag of Bahamas. It’s carrying capacity is 64969 t DWT and its current draught is reported to be 12 meters. The length overall (LOA) is 238 meters and her width is 42 meters.

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