Norwegian oil main Statoil has determined to terminate its contract with Transocean for the ultra-deepwater drillship Discoverer Americas over a lack of labor. 

The drillship has been on contract with Statoil since 2009 in help of exploration actions in East and North Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. 

Statoil says it determined to cancel the contract early as it has been unable to safe further exercise for the rig for the rest of the contract interval, ending in May 2016.

Earlier this 12 months, Statoil was in a position to renegotiate the day price for the drillship all the way down to USD$611,000 per day, down from $735,000, whereas sending the ship again to the Gulf of Mexico. 

The contract cancellation was collectively introduced by Transocean and Statoil late final week.

“Discoverer Americas has been a very good performer for Statoil, contributing to test deep-water and ultra-deep water prospectivity in Tanzania, Egypt, and the Gulf of Mexico and appraising the multiple high-impact discoveries in Tanzania. All operations were performed with solid drilling efficiency and a good safety culture. Without additional activity lined up, we unfortunately have to let the rig go prior to contract end,” says Tore Aarreberg, head of rig procurement.

Transocean stated it expects to obtain an early termination cost totally compensating the corporate as offered for within the contract.