Offshore

Globetrotter I mobilises for Bulgaria’s Han Asparuh drilling

OMV Petrom and NewMed Energy are nearing year-end drilling in Bulgaria’s Han Asparuh block as Noble’s Globetrotter I arrives for a two-well, €170 million offshore exploration programme.

Noble Globetrotter I drillship (Photo credit: Noble)

17, December 2025
220 Views

An update issued on 15 December 2025 shows OMV Petrom and partner NewMed Energy are close to starting an offshore exploration drilling programme in Bulgaria’s Han Asparuh block before year-end. Noble Corporation’s drillship Globetrotter I has arrived in Bulgaria ahead of the campaign.

The first planned well, Vinekh-1, lies offshore in roughly 2,000 m water depth, with Varna about 200 km to the west. The programme covers two exploration wells, budgeted at about €170 million, and is scheduled to run for around five months. Halliburton will deliver integrated drilling services, while SLB will conduct well testing.

Han Asparuh is a western Black Sea exploration block spanning 13,712 km², with water depths just under 2,000 m. Work in the area began in 2012, including geological and geophysical surveys and three exploration wells, followed by a 3D seismic campaign completed in May 2020 to support target selection. In Romania’s Black Sea sector, OMV Petrom and Romgaz are progressing the Neptun Deep development, where first gas is expected in 2027.

Tags: Black Sea, Bulgaria, Globetrotter I, Han Asparuh, offshore drilling

Editorial Note:
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools to enhance clarity and efficiency.
All information has been reviewed and verified by the HMT News editor.

4, Jun
|

Offshore

Velesto Secures Jackup Rig Assignment for Thailand Offshore Drilling Campaign

Velesto Sumber has secured a contract from Northern Gulf Petroleum to provide the Naga 6 jackup rig and drilling services for a seven-well campaign in the Gulf of Thailand, strengthening Velesto’s offshore drilling portfolio in Southeast Asia.

3, Jun
|

Offshore

Dolphin Drilling Secures Multi-Year UK Contract for Borgland Dolphin

Dolphin Drilling has secured a multi-year contract for the semi-submersible rig Borgland Dolphin with a UK operator, adding approximately $239 million to its firm backlog and extending earnings visibility through 2031.

2, Jun
|

Offshore

Transocean Equinox Secured for Carnarvon Drilling Campaign

Carnarvon Energy has secured the Transocean Equinox semi-submersible rig for a 2027 offshore Western Australia drilling campaign targeting major Bedout Sub-basin prospects.