Seadrill has announced new contract awards for its West Neptune, Sevan Louisiana and Sonangol Quenguela drilling rigs for operations in the US Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and Angola. 

The offshore drilling company secured a four-month contract with LLOG Exploration for the West Neptune rig in the US GoM. 

This four-month project is scheduled to begin immediately after the conclusion of the rig’s current assignment, contributing an estimated $48m to the company’s backlog. 

Seadrill’s Sevan Louisiana rig received a contract from an undisclosed operator for a two-month drilling programme, which is set to follow directly after the rig’s current contract with Walter Oil and Gas in the US Gulf. 

The campaign will involve the first use of Trendsetter well-intervention equipment in the region, according to the company. 

In Angola, Seadrill announced that a five-well option has been exercised, extending Sonangol Quenguela’s operations by around ten months. 

This contract extension commits the rig to work in Angola until February 2027. 

Seadrill president and CEO Simon Johnson said: “These awards reflect Seadrill’s ability to contract preferentially in direct continuation to current contracts and avoid costly white space in a challenging market phase. 

“We continue to build backlog into 2026 and beyond, deepening long-standing partnerships with existing and repeat customers.” 

In August this year, Seadrill announced that its 50:50 joint venture with an affiliate of Sonangol has secured two new contracts in Angola. 

The contracts, secured by Sonadrill Holding, involve the drill-ships West Gemini and Sonangol Libongos.