GDI has placed an order for a Pacific Class 400 jackup with PPL Shipyard PTE LTD (PPL) for delivery in March of 2013. This marks the 3rd newbuild jackup rig that GDI has ordered in the last 12 months. The contract was signed by GDI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ibrahim J. Al-Othman and Dr. Benety Chang, Deputy Chairman of PPL Shipyard.

The rig will come with accommodation for 150 persons, have a 75' cantilever outreach and be able to operate in water depths of up to 400' and drilling to depths of 30,000 feet. On delivery, this jackup will be the most technologically advanced drilling rig operating in Qatar. The total cost to place this rig into service is estimated at $250 Million.

The order with PPL marks one more segment of a $875 million business expansion plan that will result in GDI adding three new jackup drilling rigs, two land rigs and two jackup accommodation barges to its fleet over the next three years.

Tags: Gulf Drilling International