The Deepsea Mira drilling rig has completed its contract with Shell and is heading to Walvis Bay for upgrades after the energy major opted not to exercise its option for a second well.
Rig owner Northern Ocean said the semi-submersible completed its work for Shell on 2 July, having commenced the contract on 4 April 2026.
The extended drilling programme generated approximately US$31 million in revenue, which will be recognised in the company’s second-quarter 2026 results.
Northern Ocean said operating costs remained in line with expectations throughout the campaign.
Following completion of the contract, the company confirmed that Shell had decided not to proceed with the optional second well under the agreement.
As a result, the Deepsea Mira is being demobilised to Walvis Bay, where planned upgrades and modifications will be carried out to prepare the rig for future drilling opportunities.
Despite the Shell campaign’s conclusion, Northern Ocean said it remains encouraged by demand for harsh-environment drilling rigs and is actively marketing the Deepsea Mira for new work.
Based on current market demand, the company believes the rig is well-positioned to secure another contract in the second half of 2026.
The Deepsea Mira, managed by Odfjell Drilling, is a sixth-generation enhanced and extended CS 60 E harsh-environment semi-submersible built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. The rig is designed to operate in water depths of up to 3,000 metres.
The drilling unit is no stranger to Namibia, having previously worked on offshore campaigns for TotalEnergies and Rhino Resources before commencing its latest assignment with Shell.
