Brazilian major Petrobras has approved the execution of contracts with domestic yard Sete Brasil for the construction of six drilling rigs to be built at the Brasfels Shipyard in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.

Domestic content will range from 55% and 65% on the semisub rigs, which are part of the package of 21 units that Sete Brasil is contracted to build for Petrobras, with deliveries starting in 2016. The rigs are being built to carry out operations in the presalt Santos basin and will be capable of operating in a water depth of up to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) with the capacity to drill wells to a total depth of up to 10,000 m (32,810 ft).

The rigs will be chartered to Petrobras for a 15-year period, with three to be operated by Petroserv SA, two by Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gás SA and the other by Odebrecht Óleo e Gás SA.

Sete Brasil – an independent holding company of Petrobras – will supply the rigs at an average dayrate of US $530,000, it has been previously confirmed, although these rates could be reduced to nearer $500,000.

Petrobras says it conducted a previous critical analysis at the shipyard and confirmed its capacity potential to meet contractual commitments for the construction of the six rigs with domestic content and within the required deadlines.
In addition, it also verified the suitability of the facilities and proof of commitments with the suppliers of inputs and main sets of equipment for the rigs, environmental licensing, health, safety and environment management, contractual management, as well as legal and financial aspects.

Another five dual activity rigs for Petrobras are being supplied by Ocean Rig, at an average dayrate of $548,000, also on 15-year terms.