The West Capella drill-ship will commence operations with an undisclosed operator in Q2 2026 under a new contract in Malaysia.
Seadrill has secured new contracts for its West Capella, West Elara and West Carina rigs across Malaysia, Norway and Brazil.
In Malaysia, West Capella is set to begin operations under a contract with an undisclosed operator, starting in the second quarter of 2026 (Q2 2026).
The well-based programme is designed to last around 440 days and includes priced options for three additional wells, with the total contract valued at around $157m.
This figure includes a $5m mobilisation fee but excludes potential extra services.
The West Capella is a sixth-generation ultra-deep-water drill-ship that has operated in South East Asia and West Africa.
Built by Samsung in 2008, it is designed to the Samsung 10,000 specification, registered under Panama with ABS classification and accommodates 180 personnel.
In Norway, the West Elara has won an accommodation contract from Equinor on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). The contract will commence in Q3 2026 and conclude in Q4 2027.
The agreement is valued at $78m and comes with three priced options, each with a duration of three months.
Before securing this contract, Seadrill negotiated an agreement with the current contract holder to make the rig available, resulting in a $23m increase in total contract value.
The West Elara is an independent leg cantilever jack-up rig designed for offline activities, with prior operations in the Norwegian sector.
Constructed in 2011 at Singapore’s Jurong Shipyard, it features the Gusto MSC CJ70-X150 model. The vessel is registered under the Norwegian flag and classified by DNV.
The rig can accommodate 120 personnel, supports an S92 helicopter and operates in water depths up to 492ft, with a drilling capacity of 35,000ft.
Furthermore, the West Carina‘s operations in Brazil have been extended until April 2026, maintaining Seadrill’s presence in the region.
This seventh-generation, ultra-deep-water, dual-activity drill-ship has operated in Brazil.
Built by Samsung in 2014 in South Korea, it follows the Samsung 12,000 design, registered under the Panama flag with ABS classification.
The vessel accommodates 200 personnel, supports Sikorsky S92 and MIL-Mi-8 helicopters, operates in 12,000ft water depths and drills to 37,500ft.
Seadrill president and CEO Simon Johnson said: “We are excited to confirm these important contracts with several of our long-standing customers. The reactivation of the West Capella materially enhances Seadrill’s earnings potential in a region with reinvigorated demand for offshore drilling.
“In Norway, the West Elara’s contract with Equinor represents a harmonious solution to a potential gap in the rig’s operations, reaffirming that Seadrill’s collaborative approach with customers continues to create value for all stakeholders.”
Last December, Seadrill announced new contract awards for its West Neptune, Sevan Louisiana and Sonangol Quenguela drilling rigs.
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