Odfjell Drilling has moved to secure additional long-term activity for its Deepsea Aberdeen semisubmersible, signing a letter of intent (LOI) with an undisclosed client that would keep the unit employed until the second quarter of 2029. The agreement covers a programme scheduled to begin in late 2026, following directly after the rig’s existing contract.

The Oslo-listed contractor said the LOI, which remains subject to customary conditions, would extend the rig’s firm backlog well beyond its current end date with Equinor, which runs through the third quarter of 2026. Equinor also holds options that could have kept the 2014-built unit working into 2029.

Chief executive Kjetil Gjersdal noted that maintaining strong and continuous coverage across the fleet remains one of the company’s priorities, stating that such visibility reduces cash-flow exposure and supports ongoing investment in rigs, personnel and client relationships.

Odfjell Drilling recently reported active discussions with customers regarding further extensions across its fleet and said it expects to add more backlog. The Deepsea Nordkapp and Deepsea Aberdeen are currently the first two units available, each holding unpriced options with Aker BP and Equinor, respectively. The company’s Deepsea Atlantic, delivered in 2009, is fixed with Equinor until at least mid-2027.