Awilco awarded rig option at Yantai shipyard

Oslo-based Awilco Offshore said it has received an option to build a fifth semi-submersible drilling rig at China’s Yantai Raffles shipyard. “The option can be exercised until end December 2008, and would have a building period of 33 months from exercise,” the Norwegian offshore services firm said.

The additional option has been awarded as part of an agreement with the yard under which the delivery of its first rig, ‘WilPioneer’, is delayed by three months until October 2008.