Fossil Energy – Tender
Brazilian state-owned operator Petrobras has launched a new tender for one or more high-specification floating rigs to operate at the Búzios field in the Santos Basin.
The new contract includes a start window between October 2026 and February 2027 and will primarily support development drilling at the Buzios field. The firm duration is 2.5 years, with potential options for extension. Managed pressure drilling (MPD) capability is required.
The tender covers at least one unit, potentially going up to four rigs, as seen in previous Petrobras tenders. The operator is expected to keep its rig count around 30 rigs going forward; as such, this tender is believed to replace incumbent rigs as their contracts end.
The high-spec floaters currently operated by Petrobras, and rolling off contract around the expected start window, are:
Drillships:
Noble Faye Kozack (Noble)
Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2 and Deepwater Mykonos (Transocean)
West Carina (Seadrill)
Semisub:
SSV Victoria (Ventura Offshore) – MPD upgrade would be required.
