Seadrill’s ultra-deepwater drillship, the West Capella, is gearing up for a homecoming like no other. After years of service and traveling the globe, the 2008-built, 6th-generation dual activity drillship is once again sporting its original Seadrill coveralls. On September 14th, 2024, the ship officially returned to Seadrill, just in time for its upcoming deployment to South Korea, where it will drill off the southern coast.
The West Capella, a Korean-built unit, is slated to begin operations in December 2024 under a one-well, 40-day contract valued at approximately $32 million, including a $10 million mobilization fee. The contract was confirmed in May 2024 with an undisclosed operator in South Korea. With this milestone on the horizon, Seadrill is optimistic about the exciting opportunities ahead and the continued success of the West Capella.
This assignment marks a significant chapter for the much-traveled vessel, which has seen action in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Many within the industry who have worked aboard the West Capella recall it as a ship that always offered a warm welcome. As it prepares to embark on its next mission, industry professionals extend their best wishes to the crew and Seadrill for safe and prosperous operations.
The return of the West Capella is a reminder of the endurance and reliability of this extraordinary ship, a vessel that has played a key role in the global oil and gas industry for over a decade. With the South Korea project on the horizon, this seasoned drillship will once again prove its value and contribute to the continued advancement of offshore drilling.
Safe and successful drilling ahead to all those involved in the next leg of the West Capella’s remarkable journey.
