Transocean acquires interest in high specification ultra-deepwater newbuild drillship

Source: press release, 17 November 2022

Transocean specialises in technically demanding environments, specifically ultra-deepwater and harsh environments (photo: Transocean)
Transocean specialises in technically demanding environments, specifically ultra-deepwater and harsh environments (photo: Transocean)

Transocean Ltd. has announced that one of its subsidiaries, together with Perestroika A.S. and funds managed by Lime Rock Management L.P., have formed a joint venture, Liquila Ventures Ltd.

Liquila Ventures agreed with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME), to purchase Hull 3623, the ultra-deepwater newbuild drillship formerly known as West Aquila, for approximately USD 200 million.

Hull 3623 is a high specification, 1,400 short-ton hookload ultra-deepwater drillship. This seventh-generation dual-activity drillship will have a large deck space, high load capacities, and will be dual-stack ready.

Transocean has made a USD 15 million noncontrolling investment in Liquila Ventures and maintains the exclusive right to market and manage the operations of the rig, which is expected to be delivered from DSME in the third quarter of 2023.