Africa Rig Market News/Influx of jackups alleviates acute rig shortage

摘要

Contractors are attempting to address the rig deficit in West Africa by-mobilizing rigs into the from regions where premium dayrates are not being achieved. There is also a shortage of available with demand for both standard and deepwater units outstripping supply. Ultra-deepwater availability in particular is very tight worldwide, and with the likelihood of spare capacity being mobilized. into West Africa being very slim, operators will be forced to postpone their 2006 programs. MEXICO/EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Noble has a contract in place with Amerada Hess for a 20-month charter of jackup Noble Earl Fredricksen commencing after the rig's current contract with PEMEX off Mexico is completed. The rig's current charter completes around August/September 2006. with the rig then mobilizing to Equatorial Guinea with a start date around mid-November 2006. The contract will cover development work on the operator's G-Block.