A self-propelled vessel equipped with a drilling rig used for offshore exploration and production in deepwater locations, which subcontractors may be mobilised to for specialised services such as equipment maintenance, inspection, or crew support under strict offshore safety and logistical requirements.
Drillship
Related Terms
CCGT (Combined-cycle Gas Turbine)
IndustryA power generation system that captures waste heat from a gas turbine to drive a secondary steam turbine, boosting efficiency. Subcontractors often support CCGT plants during scheduled outages, commissioning, and maintenance shutdowns. Work typically requires specialised turbine, piping, and instrumentation trades.
BIM (Building Information Modelling)
IndustryA shared 3D digital model of a construction project that contains structural, mechanical, and site data. Subcontractors use it to coordinate work sequences, avoid clashes with other trades, and verify installation specs before mobilising. Access to the BIM model is often required before entering a worksite.
ISR (In-situ Recovery)
IndustryA mining and extraction method where ore or hydrocarbons are dissolved and pumped to surface without conventional excavation. Subcontractors typically supply specialised drilling, fluid handling, and wellfield construction services. Work scopes are often long-duration with strict environmental monitoring requirements.
Slab-Column Connection
IndustryThe structural joint where a concrete floor slab meets a vertical column, transferring load between both elements. Subcontractors must follow engineered drawings closely here, as improper reinforcement can cause punching shear failure. Inspections at this stage are critical before concrete is poured.
Marine Construction
IndustryOffshore and nearshore infrastructure work including platform installation, subsea pipelines, and dock or jetty builds. Subcontractors often face strict vessel access requirements and marine safety certifications. Mobilisation costs and weather delays are major contract risk factors.
Rental Power
IndustryTemporary generator or mobile power units leased for a job site instead of purchased outright. Subcontractors use rental power when permanent grid connections are unavailable or impractical. Costs are typically passed through to the client or built into the project bid.
Latest Industry News
Noble Corp Lands $136M Brunei Drillship Contract for 2028
Noble Corp secured a six-well contract worth roughly $136.2 million for its Noble Viking drillship to drill offshore Brunei starting in early 2028, Drilling Contractor reports.
2 months agoIndustryForesea Lands $465M Petrobras Drillship Contract for Ultra-Deepwater Campaign
Foresea has secured a $465 million contract from Petrobras to operate the ODN I drillship offshore Brazil, with work starting in early 2027 on a 1,443-day campaign supporting the Mero consortium.
5 months agoIndustrySonadrill Secures 480-Day Extension for Quenguela Drillship Offshore Angola
Sonadrill has locked in roughly 480 days of additional work for the ultra-deepwater drillship Sonangol Quenguela offshore Angola, keeping the rig contracted through June 2028 under a seven-well priced option exercise.
5 months agoIndustryArcius Energy Mobilizes Drillship for Two-Well Exploration Campaign Offshore Egypt
Arcius Energy, a joint venture between ADNOC and BP, is deploying the Valaris DS-12 drillship to drill the Atoll West and Nofret prospects in Egypt's Mediterranean waters. The campaign signals expanding exploration activity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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