Seadrill (NYSE:SDRL) has significantly bolstered its presence in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, announcing two new contract awards with LLOG Exploration Company, a subsidiary of Harbour Energy.
The agreements add approximately $260 million in firm contract backlog, underscoring the sustained demand for high-specification, ultra-deepwater drilling assets in premium offshore basins.
The first award is a 365-day contract extension for the West Neptune.
This ultra-deepwater drillship is currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico, and the new extension is scheduled to commence in September 2026, ensuring the vessel remains under contract through the third quarter of 2027.
The extension reflects the strong operational track record of the vessel and the tightening supply of sixth and seventh-generation drillships.
Additionally, the West Vela was awarded a new program with a duration of 270 days.
This contract is expected to begin in August 2026, following the completion of the vessel's current obligations.
The deployment of both the West Neptune and West Vela for LLOG highlights the strategic importance of the Gulf of Mexico to Seadrill’s fleet utilization and the company's ability to secure long-term work with Tier-1 independent operators.