China snaps up $250m jackup duo for Bohai and Suriname drilling
CNPC’s engineering arm secures two 400-ft rigs from Dalian Shipbuilding for deep-water and high-pressure operations.
China National Petroleum Offshore Engineering (CNPC Offshore) has finalized a $250 million agreement to acquire two 400-foot jackup rigs from Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Engineering. The purchase, equivalent to RMB 1.77 billion, was confirmed in a transaction notice that identifies Dalian Offshore as the supplier.
The rigs are intended for operations in both domestic and international markets. According to procurement documents, they will be deployed in the Bohai Sea and overseas locations, including Suriname. The units must meet stringent technical requirements, including the ability to operate in water depths of at least 120 meters and drill to depths of approximately 10,500 meters. Additionally, they must support high-pressure and batch drilling operations while providing accommodation for at least 140 personnel.
Delivery Schedule and Rig Specifications: jackup rigs
The first rig is expected to be delivered by December 2026, with the second following by May 2027. The relatively short timeline suggests the deal involves existing rigs rather than newbuilds. While Dalian Offshore currently lists several 400-foot jackups for sale—including three JU2000E models and the DSJ400-1—neither company has disclosed which specific units are part of this transaction.
Dalian Offshore has prior experience supplying similar rigs, having sold four JU2000E jackups to China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL). Those units were later renamed Hai Yang Shi You 945, 946, 947, and 948.
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