Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 October 2024
The Blackford Dolphin semi-submersible drilling rig has reached the waters near Sri Vijaya Puram to begin drilling operations under a contract with Oil India Limited (OIL). The rig, operated by Dolphin Drilling, is set to play a key role in exploring the Andaman Offshore Blocks.
Oil India Limited had announced the signing of the contract with Dolphin Drilling on 22 July 2024. Dolphin Drilling, a Norway-based contractor known for its expertise in offshore oil and gas drilling, was hired to provide its “Anchor Moored Semi-Submersible Drilling Unit Blackford Dolphin” for exploration work in the region.
Today, the massive drilling rig was spotted off the coast of Sri Vijaya Puram, marking its arrival after a long voyage. According to sources confirmed by Nicobar Times, the Blackford Dolphin set sail from Nigerian waters in July 2024. The rig was previously engaged in a drilling contract with General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) in Nigeria. However, after GHL defaulted on payments, Dolphin Drilling terminated the contract and redirected the rig to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for its new assignment with Oil India Ltd.
The contract between Dolphin Drilling and OIL is reportedly valued at $154 million and is expected to last for about 14 months. OIL also holds an option to extend the rig’s deployment by an additional seven months, if necessary.
The Blackford Dolphin’s journey to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands covered approximately 7,720 nautical miles, with the rig taking two scheduled stops along the way. The last stop was in Port Louis, Mauritius, from where it departed on 13 September 2024 before arriving at Sri Vijaya Puram.
This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration efforts in the Andaman Offshore Blocks, as Oil India Ltd. continues its mission to tap into the region’s potential oil reserves.