The three rigs, to be built by Honghua Group (HH), will be equipped with the latest technology and automation capabilities. Credit: K I Photography/Shutterstock.

ADNOC Drilling has secured a $733m (Dh2.69bn) contract from ADNOC Offshore to supply three newbuild island rigs.  

These rigs will support the expansion of operations at the offshore Zakum field, one of the world’s largest oilfields. 

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The three rigs, to be built by HH, will be equipped with the latest technology and automation capabilities.  

They are scheduled for delivery and operational commencement in 2026.  

ADNOC Drilling said the rigs will be deployed on existing and newly constructed artificial islands to drill and complete wells at the Zakum field. 

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The design and construction of these rigs are a result of a partnership between ADNOC Drilling and HH, aimed at leveraging AI, digitisation and advanced technology.  

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Additionally, ADNOC Drilling and HH plan to work with AIQ, an AI company based in Abu Dhabi, to further enhance the technological aspect of the rigs.  

The total capital expenditure for the new island rigs is estimated to be around $210m, primarily in 2025, with the first full-year revenue expected in 2027. 

ADNOC Drilling CEO Abdulrahman Abdulla Al Seiari said: “ADNOC Drilling is honoured to receive this substantial award, which marks a significant milestone in our company’s accelerated growth journey.  

“These new island rigs will be the most advanced in the world, embracing artificial intelligence, the most transformative technology of our generation. Our partnership with HH will amplify the creativity and ingenuity of our industry as we design and build these rigs of the future that drive efficiency and safety and deliver exceptional value for our customer ADNOC Offshore.” 

ADNOC Offshore CEO Tayba Abdul Rahim Al Hashemi said: “ADNOC Drilling’s technical expertise and enhanced capabilities are key enablers as we safely and sustainably accelerate to meet the world’s growing energy demands.  

“This award will strengthen our partnership in the future as we work together to harness AI and innovation to maximise energy, minimise emissions and unlock significant value for stakeholders.” 

With the inclusion of these three new rigs and the three land rigs previously announced for the initial phase of unconventional development, ADNOC Drilling’s fleet is expected to reach at least 148 units by 2026. 

Since the company’s initial public offering in the fourth quarter of 2021, ADNOC Drilling has invested more than $2.2bn to create what it calls one of the largest integrated drilling fleets globally.  

In May this year, ADNOC Drilling secured a $1.7bn contract to provide drilling and related services for the United Arab Emirates’ unconventional energy resources.