Gulf Drilling International Ltd. Q.S.C. (GDI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Gulf International Services (GIS), announced that it has been awarded new contracts by Qatar Petroleum for the provision of offshore drilling rig services. This new rig named “Dukhan” will be delivered from Keppel Fels Shipyard in Singapore and should start work for QP in offshore Qatar during the 4th quarter of this year. The contract term is five years and valued at QR 1.275 Billion.

This rig was custom built for GDI with features that enable it to work anywhere in Qatar. It is a high specification hi-tech rig and accommodates 150 people. The features include a 15,000 psi choke system for well control and can drill wells through 30000ft. and a cantilever that can skid out 75 feet from the edge of the hull to drill wells. Off-line stand building and 7,500 psi mud pumps are another feature that is favored by clients.

Ibrahim J. Al Othman, Chief Executive Officer of GDI, said: “GDI recognizes the value of the partnership and support it receives from Qatar Petroleum. Working with QP has granted us the chance to develop our skills, technologies and competencies to be a world-class drilling service company. I would like to take this opportunity, and as always, to express my sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for the support and guidance of H.E. Dr. Mohammad Bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry and QP Chairman & Managing Director, and I would also like to thank QP’s Operations Directorate for their continued support to GDI”.  “We are looking forward to the day when Rig Dukhan is placed into operation as it will greatly enhances GDI’s profitability and long term sustainability” Al-Othman added.

GDI have always maintained highest performance and safety standards through the quality of asset and equipment it provides and high competency of crew and staff that operate in a team work environment.  Hence, recruitment and training of crew starts well ahead of contract start date to ensure safe and sound operation start-up.