Dolphin Drilling’s 1,969-ft semisubmersible Paul B. Loyd, Jr. has finished the first phase of its UK North Sea operations for Ithaca Energy and has started its next assignment for Harbour Energy.
The rig is now operating at Harbour Energy’s P344 licence, which contains the Balmoral field. The move followed two operational campaigns for Ithaca Energy, with the Tybalt and Captain wells returned to the operator, according to Dolphin Drilling on 23 September 2026.
Work for Ithaca Energy began in July 2026 after the Paul B. Loyd, Jr. mobilised for the operator in June under a rig-sharing agreement with Harbour Energy.
The arrangement covers Ithaca Energy’s drilling plans, including a potential programme for the Fotla development, infill drilling and commitments associated with plugging and abandonment activities. Drilling and completion of wells for the Fotla project is currently planned for Q1-Q2 2027.
The Paul B. Loyd, Jr. has been working for Harbour Energy under various contracts since Q2 2023. The rig is contracted to Harbour Energy into 2030, with a further five-year optional period.
