Borr Drilling has announced that its 400-ft jackup rig Vali will begin its first contract with Libya’s Mellitah Oil & Gas. This confirmation comes after the contract was previously described as with an undisclosed client in Africa. The firm term of the contract spans from Q1 2025 to Q2 2026, with an option to extend. The agreement was finalized before Vali’s delivery, following a Letter of Award (LOA) for 480 days of work announced in April 2024.
The Vali is currently en route to Libya on a heavy-lift vessel after completing contract preparations at Crystal Offshore in Singapore. These preparations included structural modifications to equip the rig for its upcoming operations. Borr Drilling took delivery of the KFELS Super B Class rig from Seatrium in August 2024, further bolstering its fleet with advanced capabilities.
A New Chapter in Libyan Energy Exploration
Mellitah Oil & Gas, a joint venture between Libya’s National Oil Corporation and Italian energy major Eni, was established in 2008 to enhance Libya’s upstream and downstream oil and gas activities. The company has a history of significant exploration efforts, including the eight-well campaign planned at Block NC41’s Structure A, which aligns with the Vali’s anticipated deployment.
This partnership highlights Mellitah’s ongoing commitment to expanding Libya’s oil and gas sector while leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise. For Borr Drilling, the maiden deployment of Vali signals another milestone in its growing portfolio of successful offshore operations.
The collaboration between Mellitah Oil & Gas and Vali reflects the broader potential of the Libyan oil and gas market as the region continues to rebuild and invest in its energy infrastructure. With advanced rigs like Vali entering the field, the partnership is poised to drive operational efficiency and energy output in the coming years.
