Saipem S.p.A. has reinforced its offshore drilling portfolio with new contracts and extensions valued at approximately USD 135 million, strengthening its operational presence in West Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Far East. The Italian engineering and offshore services company announced the developments on 21 October 2025, noting that these awards further consolidate its role as a leading provider of deepwater drilling solutions for international operators.
Among the key awards, the seventh-generation drillship Santorini will continue operations offshore Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire under new commitments from Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Limited and Eni Côte d’Ivoire Limited. The extension ensures operational continuity before Santorini begins its next drilling campaign in the Mediterranean.
The Deep Value Driller, another seventh-generation drillship operated by Saipem under a bare-boat charter, has successfully completed its Ghana campaign for Eni Ghana. The rig is now mobilising to Indonesia for a new assignment with Eni Ganal Deepwater Limited, with operations expected to start by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, the semi-submersible rig Scarabeo 9 has transitioned from a recently completed project in Egypt for Burullus Gas Company to a new contract in Libya with Eni North Africa BV. This extension is expected to keep the unit active into early 2026.
Through these new contracts, Saipem continues to demonstrate the competitiveness of its drilling fleet and its operational reliability in complex offshore environments. The company highlighted its ability to provide flexible and high-performance solutions tailored to major energy operators’ evolving needs.
Saipem currently operates 17 offshore construction vessels and 12 drilling rigs (9 owned) across more than 50 countries, employing around 30,000 people representing over 130 nationalities. The company’s business is organised into five strategic lines: Asset Based Services, Drilling, Energy Carriers, Offshore Wind, and Sustainable Infrastructures.
Source: Saipem official press release, 21 October 2025 (Single-source: verified)
