Oil exploration firm HRT has announced that it has received a semi-submersible drilling-rig, Transocean-Marianas, from Swiss offshore drilling contractor Transocean for drilling operations offshore Ghana
The contract was signed between the two companies on 15 January 2013.
The rig, a specialised marine vessel, will be in transit to Namibian waters for three weeks after which it will undergo mandatory maintenance for 21 days, before HRT started its drilling campaign in Walvis and Orange sedimentary basins.
The Marianas will be on location to start drilling the first well in Namibia, at the Wingat Prospect, in Walvis basin at HRT’s Petroleum Exploration License-23 by the end of the first quarter of 2013.
Wingat, located at a 1,000 metre depth, will require approximately 60 days for drilling operations to be completed.
HRT CEO Marcio R Mello said, “The arrival of the Transocean-Marianas is excellent news for HRT. The rig is arriving within the planned timeframe to start one of the most expected and exciting drilling campaigns in southern offshore West Africa.”
