Shelf Drilling and its subsidiary, Shelf Drilling (North Sea), have announced a significant development for the Shelf Drilling Barsk jackup rig. The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) has granted the rig an Acknowledgement of Compliance (AoC) on October 23, 2024. This approval signifies that the rig, along with Shelf Drilling’s organizational and management systems, meets the required regulatory standards for petroleum activities in Norway.
The journey to compliance had its challenges. In June 2024, Havtil initially rejected the AoC application after identifying several non-conformities, causing a delay in the rig’s scheduled contract with Equinor. Shelf Drilling responded by addressing the issues and filing a new application, which has now been successfully accepted. With the AoC approval secured, the Barsk rig is set to commence its contract with Equinor in the coming weeks. The rig’s firm contracts will ensure continuous operations through May 2026, with further extension options on the table.
Greg O’Brien, CEO of Shelf Drilling, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “This marks a critical step in preparing the Shelf Drilling Barsk for its upcoming contract with Equinor. As we approach contract commencement in the coming weeks, our focus is to complete our customer’s final rig acceptance process and commence operations in a safe and efficient manner.”
With the AoC in hand, the Shelf Drilling Barsk is poised to begin its work with Equinor, reinforcing Shelf Drilling’s commitment to regulatory compliance and operational excellence in the North Sea sector.
