Azule Energy's Deepwater Rig Requirement in Angola

Azule Energy, the Eni-BP joint venture, is actively seeking to charter a deepwater drilling unit for operations across four blocks in Angola: 15/06, 18, 31, and 31/21. Currently, the joint venture has only two rigs under charter—the drillship Sonangol Libangos (operating in Block 15/06) and the jack-up Valaris 144 (conducting development drilling for the Quiluma-Maboquiero gas project under the New Gas Consortium).

According to an expression of interest document, Azule requires a rig capable of working in water depths ranging from 400 to 3,000 meters. The unit must be equipped with two blow-out preventer systems rated for pressures up to 15,000 pounds per square inch. Additionally, the rig must have dual activity capabilities, meaning it should feature two derricks or rotary systems to enable simultaneous drilling or well construction tasks. Responses to the tender are due by 25 June, though the contract term has not been disclosed. The joint venture operates multiple floating production, storage, and offloading vessels in the specified blocks.