TotalEnergies terminates Shelf Drilling jackup deal
TotalEnergies Terminates Contract with Shelf Drilling
In a significant development, Shelf Drilling, a UAE-based jackup rig operator, has received a contract termination notice from French energy giant TotalEnergies. The termination affects the Shelf Drilling Winner, a rig that has been under contract with TotalEnergies’ Danish division since its construction in 2014. The termination will take effect in August 2025, ahead of the original contract’s expiration date of August 2026.
Details of the Contract Termination
Shelf Drilling announced that the termination notice was issued following a comprehensive review of TotalEnergies’ work schedule for 2025. The company indicated that the Shelf Drilling Winner would be released after completing its final scheduled well activities in the summer of 2025. Initially, the contract included options for extensions that could have extended the agreement into late 2027. However, due to changes in TotalEnergies’ operational plans, the decision was made to conclude the contract earlier than anticipated.
Despite this setback, Shelf Drilling emphasized that the Shelf Drilling Winner has consistently demonstrated exceptional operational and safety performance during its tenure with TotalEnergies. The company is now focused on actively marketing the rig for new opportunities in the competitive drilling sector. This strategic move aims to mitigate the impact of the contract termination and ensure continued operational viability for the rig in the future.
