Bideford Dolphin Rig Sold Off for Scrap

Dolphin Drilling has decided to decommission, dismantle and sell the Bideford Dolphin drilling rig for scrap.

The company has stated this move is part of its strategy to streamline its fleet and improve operational effectiveness. Constructed in 1975 by Aker Kvaerner in Verdal, the rig has been in a state of warm stacking in Flekkefjord, Norway, for an extended period. In its third-quarter financial statement for 2023, Dolphin Drilling revealed it was evaluating the potential sale of the rig.

The company assured, “The rig will be sold and scrapped in a responsible manner in accordance with applicable international standards,”

Following the sale of the Bideford Dolphin, Dolphin Drilling will maintain ownership of four additional rigs from the 4th and 5th generation Aker H3 and H4 series – namely the Borgland Dolphin, Blackford Dolphin, Paul B. Loyd, Jr., and Dolphin Leader.

Supported by Øystein Stray Spetalen, Dolphin Drilling acquired the Paul B. Loyd Jr. and Dolphin Leader (previously known as Transocean Leader) from Transocean in the previous year, in a transaction valued at $61.5 million.