Noble Resolute Heads to Dutch North Sea for Eni Contract
3, December 2025
The Noble Resolute rig has departed Denmark for a new contract with Eni in the Dutch North Sea, expected to start by December 4, 2025.
offshore drilling
CNOOC deepwater veteran under graft watchdog probe
3, December 2025
China’s top anti-corruption watchdog is investigating Li Zhong, deputy general manager and chief engineer at CNOOC Research Institute, a veteran behind key deepwater breakthroughs in the South China Sea.
Oil India starts 6000 m offshore well in Kerala-Konkan
2, December 2025
State-owned Oil India has begun an offshore exploration campaign in the Kerala-Konkan Basin, spudding a 6000 m well about 20 nautical miles off the Indian coast, one of India’s deepest offshore wells.
Blackford Dolphin Contract Extended
20, November 2025
Oil India Limited has extended its agreement for the Blackford Dolphin semisubmersible, adding 120 days of work under unchanged terms and continuing operations east of India through 10 May 2026.
Odfjell Drilling Confirms $480m Acquisition of Deepsea Bollsta
17, November 2025
Odfjell Drilling has agreed to acquire the Deepsea Bollsta from Northern Ocean in a $480 million transaction. The rig adds $355 million to the company’s firm backlog and continues its long-term programme with Equinor.
Trump Administration Drafts Plan to Resume Offshore Oil Drilling off California
12, November 2025
The Trump administration is preparing to reopen California’s coastline to offshore oil and gas drilling for the first time in decades, facing strong opposition from state leaders and environmental groups.
Rhino Resources Extends Deepsea Mira Drilling Contract Offshore Namibia
12, November 2025
Rhino Resources and Northern Ocean have extended the Deepsea Mira drilling contract offshore Namibia, adding an extra well test and increasing the firm backlog to $394 million.
Vaalco pushes Gabon drilling to fourth quarter
12, November 2025
Vaalco Energy has once again delayed its multi-well drilling campaign offshore Gabon, now set to begin in the fourth quarter as the company reports lower third-quarter earnings due to maintenance and weaker oil prices.
Santos Delays Bedout Basin Drilling to 2027 Amid Rig Shortage
11, November 2025
Santos and Carnarvon Energy have delayed offshore exploration in the Bedout sub-basin, which hosts the Dorado discovery, pushing drilling to the first half of 2027 due to rig unavailability.
