The two units are to be installed on artificial islands. The drilling activities are expected to begin between the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, and to continue for a period of about five and a half years per each drilling unit.
In Congo, Eni S.p.A (Eni) has awarded Saipem the contract for the use of two 1,500-HP onshore drilling rigs for a period of two years, starting from the third quarter of 2009. The two units, previously employed in Saudi Arabia, will work on the M’Boundi field, located about 50 kilometers northeast of Pointe Noire.
In Algeria, Saipem has signed a contract with the joint venture between First Calgary Petroleums Ltd and Sonatrach for the charter of two onshore drilling rigs, of 1,500 and 2,000 HP respectively. The drilling activities will be carried out on block 405B, located in the Berkine basin about 350 kilometers south east of Hassi Messaoud, for a period of three years starting from mid-2009.
Agip KCO is an Eni subsidiary.
