Shell’s KE STP and BG International Secure Offshore Drilling Unit for Suriname Campaign

KE STP and BG International, Suriname subsidiaries of UK-headquartered energy giant Shell, have inked a deal with Stena Drilling for the deployment of a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) from its fleet.

The selected MODU, Stena DrillMAX, is slated to commence drilling operations with Shell’s affiliates in the latter half of 2025. The agreement encompasses two confirmed wells with an option for two additional wells.

Originally constructed in 2008, Stena DrillMAX represents the pioneer vessel in the DrillMAX series and stands as a DP Class 3 drillship designed for harsh environments, capable of drilling in water depths of up to 10,000 feet. This drillship boasts a maximum drilling depth of 35,000 feet and offers accommodation for up to 180 personnel.

Recent Endeavors

Earlier this year, TotalEnergies secured the services of the rig to spearhead an exploration well in Suriname in the latter part of the year. Prior to this engagement, Stena DrillMAX was actively engaged in an exploration drilling program for Exxonmobil in Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador’s exploration license (EL) 1169.

Meanwhile, Shell has been actively pursuing projects in the Americas. Just last week, the company finalized an agreement with Subsea7 to deploy a floating production system (FPS) from its fleet at the Sparta deepwater development, formerly known as North Platte, situated in the Gulf of America.