ADNOC Drilling has secured a major $806 million contract from ADNOC Offshore to supply three advanced island rigs. The rigs will support the expansion of drilling activities at the offshore Zakum development project, one of the UAE’s most important energy assets.
This award follows a similar order placed in July 2024. With six island rigs now under contract, ADNOC Drilling is solidifying its role in enabling ADNOC’s production growth.
Smart Rigs to Advance Energy Goals
The new rigs are designed with embedded artificial intelligence. They will operate from ADNOC’s artificial islands, which host some of the world’s longest wells. A recent record was set at 53,000 feet. The rigs will begin operations between 2027 and 2028 and support both existing and new well developments.
Abdulrahman Abdulla Al Seiari, CEO of ADNOC Drilling, stated:
“This long-term contract marks a key milestone in our growth journey. These smart rigs bring next-generation technology to the field. They enhance safety, raise efficiency, and improve performance. The award also reflects our long-standing role in supporting ADNOC’s production goals while delivering strong returns for our shareholders.”
The rigs will be built in partnership with Honghua Group (HH). This collaboration focuses on integrating digital features like real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and performance optimisation. These tools are expected to shorten well delivery times, improve safety, and reduce downtime.
Driving Innovation in Offshore Operations
Tayba Abdul Rahim Al Hashemi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore, said:
“We are committed to using efficient and innovative technologies to maximise the value of Abu Dhabi’s offshore resources. These new island rigs will also play a vital role in helping us meet rising global energy demand. Together with ADNOC Drilling, we’re advancing operational excellence and sustainable growth.”
The rigs are designed with walking systems that allow them to move easily between well slots without dismantling. This feature significantly reduces operational costs and emissions while boosting uptime.
Additionally, each rig is optimised for extended reach drilling (ERD), which enables more efficient extraction from complex offshore reservoirs.
Strengthening ADNOC’s Energy Future
The capital cost of these rigs will be in line with the investment made for the three rigs ordered in 2024. While the investment remains steady, the value lies in the rigs’ advanced design and smart features.
This award is part of ADNOC Drilling’s long-term strategy to support the UAE’s energy goals. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the global oil and gas sector.
