Deepwater semi-submersible SSV Catarina, which drilled this week’s Konta gas discovery offshore Indonesia, has been lined up for further work.

Oslo-listed Ventura Offshore said SSV Catarina has been committed for the third in a series of four optional wells with Eni Indonesia. This latest option is expected to keep the rig operating until the second quarter of 2026 and adds another $20 million to the company’s backlog.

The rig has been working for Eni Indonesia for several years and most recently completed the Konta-1 exploration well in the Kutei basin, about 50 kilometres off the coast of East Kalimantan. Earlier this week, Eni reported that current estimates indicate about 600 billion cubic feet of gas initially in place at Konta, with potential upside beyond 1 trillion cubic feet.

According to Eni, the Konta-1 result provides additional confidence to continue the planned exploration drilling campaign in the Kutei basin, which includes four more wells to be drilled in 2026.