Dolphin Drilling Rig Contract in India Extended to August 2026

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Dolphin Drilling has extended its drilling contract with Oil India Limited for the Blackford Dolphin deepwater semi-submersible rig, built in 1974, with the rig's work schedule now extended to August 28, 2026.

The Blackford Dolphin, designed with an enhanced Aker H-3 design and accommodating 120 personnel, has been conducting a 14-month oil and gas exploration campaign for Oil India Limited since November 2024. Dolphin Drilling had previously exercised an option to extend the contract by 120 days beyond the initial three-well project, pushing the rig's operational schedule to May 10, 2026. When the May 2026 schedule expired, the company reported it would continue fulfilling the contract until the end of July to complete related operations, and the latest extension further prolongs the work period to August 28, 2026.

The rig has previously operated in various international waters, including Oman, Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico, and its continued operations off the east coast of India demonstrate its suitability in mature drilling markets. Headquartered in Aberdeen, UK, Dolphin Drilling specializes in the operation and management of mid-water semi-submersible drilling rigs.