New Delhi: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from international E&P operators and offshore drilling contractors to lease or charter its drillship, Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Sagar Bhushan. In a statement issued on Thursday, ONGC said it “invites Expressions of Interest (#EOI) from global E&P operators and offshore drilling contractors for the leasing/chartered hiring of its drillship, Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) Sagar Bhushan (IMO 8407266).”
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The EoI document describes the vessel as “fully equipped and maintained in operational condition” and notes that Sagar Bhushan “presents an excellent opportunity for companies looking to augment their offshore drilling fleet.”
ONGC said the IRS-classed drillship is an eight-point anchor-moored floater with a dedicated station-keeping system, capable of operating in water depths up to 1,000 feet. The vessel underwent a major upgrade during its 7th Special Hull & Machinery Survey in 2023.
According to the EoI, Sagar Bhushan “is immediately available, fully equipped, and presents an excellent opportunity for companies looking to augment their offshore drilling fleet.”
It highlights key features including its “Gusto Pelican Class Enhanced design with twin-screw propulsion” and accommodation for more than 100 personnel. The drillship is equipped with an NOV drilling package featuring an “18¾” 10,000 psi BOP, 1625DE drawworks, mud and cement pumps,” along with a VETCO HMF riser system with 80K tensioners and a certified 22 × 22 metre helideck with 12-ton capacity.
ONGC said the drillship is “presently berthed at Dighi Port (Maharashtra) and is immediately available for deployment.” The EoI notes that “the Rig is currently in operational condition with propulsion systems working for sailing away from port” and that it “is available with all the manpower and riser systems.”
ONGC has encouraged international operators and contractors to submit detailed proposals, stating that the objective of the process is “to invite applications… for leasing to any Rig Contractor or chartered hiring to Global E&P company.”
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The company emphasised that “this EOI is not meant for selection of bidders” and that the actual tendering process will follow based on the response received.
Participants have been asked to submit proposals to ONGC’s Deep Water Group in accordance with the EoI guidelines.