Dolphin Drilling has extended the drilling contract for the deepwater-capable semisubmersible Blackford Dolphin with Oil India Limited up to 15 October 2026, allowing the rig to continue operations east of India.
The extension covers the completion of drilling, testing and abandonment work. The existing contractual terms and scope of work will remain unchanged during the additional period.
The latest extension continues a drilling campaign that began under a $154 million contract awarded to Dolphin Drilling in March 2024. The original agreement covered a firm three-well campaign over about 14 months, with an additional seven-month option.
Blackford Dolphin arrived in Indian waters in October 2024 and started its long-term exploration drilling contract with Oil India Limited the following month after completing customs clearance and client acceptance.
In November 2025, Oil India Limited exercised an option that added 120 days to the contract and extended operations through 10 May 2026. The additional work covered drilling, testing and abandonment at locations east of India under the existing rate and contractual terms.
A further update in May 2026 stated that Blackford Dolphin was expected to remain on contract until the end of July 2026. On 8 July, Dolphin Drilling extended the engagement until at least 28 August 2026 to allow the remaining work to continue.
Under the latest extension, Blackford Dolphin can now remain on the Oil India Limited assignment up to 15 October 2026, with the same work scope and contractual terms.
