PV Drilling’s newly acquired jack-up rig, PV DRILLING X, arrived at the B11 anchorage in Vung Tau, Vietnam, on 22 October 2026 after a 7,261-nautical-mile voyage from Namibia aboard the semi-submersible heavy load carrier Seaway Falcon.
The arrival marked the completion of the rig’s long-distance heavy transport operation. PV Drilling is now preparing for the next stage of recommissioning at PTSC’s downstream port facility in Ho Chi Minh City, ahead of planned commercial operations in the second quarter of 2027.
Before the voyage, PV DRILLING X underwent a 45-day initial reactivation program in Namibia. The work was carried out to meet key requirements set by international classification societies before the rig could be transported to Vietnam.
The second phase of recommissioning will involve equipment upgrades, component replacements, system testing and further technical preparations. According to PV Drilling, the work is intended to bring the rig into compliance with applicable classification requirements and prepare it for commercial drilling operations.
PV DRILLING X is an ABS-classed jack-up built to the Keppel FELS Mod V Super B Class design. The rig has a maximum drilling depth of 35,000 ft (10,668 m) and can operate in water depths of up to 350 ft (106 m).
The rig shares several design and technical characteristics with PV DRILLING I, PV DRILLING II, PV DRILLING III, PV DRILLING VI and PV DRILLING VIII. PV Drilling said these similarities are expected to facilitate rig operations and crew assignments.
The company also stated that PV DRILLING X meets technical requirements for drilling at most fields in Vietnam, as well as projects in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and West Africa.
Commercial operations are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027, following completion of the remaining recommissioning and technical work.
