A five-well contract will take the 2014-built drillship Valaris DS-15 to West Africa, with operations scheduled to start in 3Q 2026. Ahead of that program, the unit is in Spain at Hidramar Group for a broad coating campaign and several crane-related work scopes.
Hidramar Group said the coating work covers surface preparation and application of protective systems, supported by full traceability and compliance with international safety standards. For the crane scopes, the group added that specialized naval engineers are completing mechanical and structural works through an afloat approach intended to support safe execution while limiting disruption to ongoing upgrades.
In Brazil, the 2014-built drillship Valaris DS-17 has arrived in Rio de Janeiro ahead of its assignment with Equinor Energy do Brasil, part of Equinor. Valaris referenced an image showing the rig set against Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, describing it as a notable moment linking offshore engineering with a recognized landmark setting.
The unit was booked in 2024 for work on the Raia project, which includes the Raia Manta and Raia Pintada natural gas fields in the BM-C-33 concession offshore Brazil. Equinor operates with a 35% interest, while Repsol Sinopec Brasil and Petrobras hold 35% and 30%, respectively. The award followed Equinor’s submission of declarations of commerciality and plans of development for the two fields in September 2023.
For Valaris DS-17, Valaris expects a 25-day out-of-service period in 1Q 2026 to complete customer-required upgrades. Based on an initial estimated duration of 852 days, the arrangement includes 180 days of standby and a 672-day drilling program. The drillship has worked for Equinor offshore Brazil since September 2023.
Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries to the GustoMSC P10000 design, Valaris DS-17 is configured for 210 personnel. Valaris DS-15 is designed for a maximum drilling depth of 12,192 m (40,000 ft), can operate in water depths of 3,658 m (12,000 ft), and has berths for up to 210 people.
