Introducing Tidal Action: Hanwha Drilling’s Latest Venture in Offshore Energy

Offshore drilling player Hanwha Drilling, part of South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, recently celebrated a significant milestone with the naming ceremony of its seventh-generation drillship.

The drillship, named Tidal Action and formerly known as West Libra, is set to operate off the coast of Brazil for Petrobras, the country’s energy giant. This venture is a collaboration between Hanwha Drilling, Constellation Oil Services, and Petrobras.

The naming ceremony, attended by key industry figures including Philippe Levy, Renata Baruzzi, Rodrigo Ribeiro, and Clay Coan, marks Hanwha Ocean’s entry into deepwater drilling operations. The Tidal Action drillship will be chartered by Petrobras through a long-term agreement secured by Constellation Oil Services.

Baruzzi, acting as the vessel’s godmother, officially named the drillship Tidal Action. Following a $500 million deal with Petrobras, the rig will be operational in the third quarter of 2025, equipped with advanced technology for deep-sea drilling.

The Tidal Action drillship, based on Hanwha Ocean’s proprietary design, boasts capabilities for drilling at depths of up to 12 kilometers in waters as deep as 3,600 meters. With a focus on operational efficiency and safety, the rig features a dynamic positioning system and blowout preventers.

Hanwha Ocean aims to strengthen its position as a total offshore solution provider through the expansion of its services. The company’s eco-friendly and high-efficiency drillship technologies are set to establish a robust track record in deepwater projects.

Levy expressed confidence in Hanwha Ocean’s technological edge and long-term strategy, positioning the company as a global leader in offshore energy. The Tidal Action drillship will operate in the Roncador field in the Campos Basin offshore Brazil, contributing to Petrobras’ natural gas production.

With the Tidal Action and Laguna Star drillships set to work together at the Roncador field, Constellation Oil Services marks its first time operating a third-party-owned unit. This collaboration signifies a new chapter in offshore drilling, showcasing the industry’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.