Emperor Energy has finalised a contract with ENSCO Australia, a subsidiary of Valaris, to deploy the VALARIS 107 jack-up rig for the Judith-2 gas appraisal well offshore Victoria, Australia, with drilling targeted for April 2027.
The agreement, executed on 2 November 2026, secures the rig for a minimum 30-day drilling programme, with an optional 15-day period for well flow testing. It also provides an option for an additional sidetrack well.
According to Valaris’ latest Fleet Status Report, the operating day rate is US$165,000, with the contract expected to commence in the second quarter of 2027.
Emperor Energy has made US$3.5 million in payments under the drilling arrangements, comprising US$1.5 million paid upon signing a term sheet in September and US$2 million upon execution of the full contract. The payments will be credited against the overall contract value, with further payments scheduled before mobilisation.
The VALARIS 107 is currently operating in the Gippsland Basin and is expected to move to Judith-2 after completing its existing commitments with other operators.
The project has secured a key regulatory clearance. Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) accepted the Judith-2 drilling Environment Plan on 29 September 2026.
The environmental plan provides for drilling and appraisal activities lasting up to approximately 60 days, a separate planning period from the rig’s minimum contractual drilling term.
Judith-2 is located in exploration permit VIC/P47, approximately 36 kilometres south of Marlo, Victoria. The well will appraise the Judith gas discovery made in 1989.
Preparations also include a geophysical site survey scheduled to begin on 23 November 2026, weather permitting, followed by a geotechnical survey no earlier than January 2027.
Under Emperor Energy’s offshore operations plan, two vessels will tow the jack-up to the drilling location. Up to three supply vessels will support the campaign, with helicopters used for crew changes.
The Judith-2 contract was previously included in Valaris’ wider offshore drilling awards reported by HMT News on 3 November.
The appraisal is intended to assess the Judith gas resource and its development potential. The accepted environmental plan provides for the well to be permanently plugged and abandoned following drilling and appraisal activities.
