Seadrill has secured a contract extension of 1,095 days from Petrobras for the West Polaris ultra-deep-water drill-ship, allowing it to continue operations in the Búzios field in the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil.
This extension will contribute around $480m to the contract backlog.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Operations are set to commence immediately after the current programme concludes in January 2028.
The financial arrangement includes an updated day rate for the vessel.
From 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the rate will be $409,200 per day.
It will then increase to $454,700 per day from 1 April 2027 until 15 January 2028.
The West Polaris is a sixth-generation, ultra-deep-water dual activity drill-ship with a history of operations in Brazil, India and West Africa.
Built in 2008 by Samsung in South Korea, the drill-ship features the Samsung 10,000 design.
The vessel’s dimensions are 748ft × 137ft, with a draft of 27.9ft during transit and 39.4ft when operating.
The West Polaris can accommodate up to 200 people and is equipped with a helideck capable of supporting a Boeing Chinook at 23.4 short tonnes.
It is designed for a maximum water depth of 10,000ft and can drill to a maximum depth of 37,500ft.
Seadrill president and CEO Samir Ali said: “This award enhances Seadrill’s earnings visibility for a mature asset into the next decade.
“It provides significant value to both Seadrill and Petrobras, while strengthening our relationship with a valued, long-term partner.”
In January 2026, Seadrill obtained new contracts for its West Elara jack-up rig, and the West Carina and West Capella drill-ships.
The West Capella will start operations in Malaysia under a contract with an undisclosed operator, starting in the second quarter of 2026 (Q2 2026).
Meanwhile, in Norway, Equinor has awarded the West Elara an accommodation contract on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, which is set to commence in Q3 2026 and end in Q4 2027.
Additionally, the operational period for the West Carina in Brazil has been extended to April 2026, continuing Seadrill’s activities in the region.
