New Jack-Up Rig Departs UAE for Saudi Arabia

UAE-Based Lamprell Delivers Second Jack-Up Rig for Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 30 (ANI/WAM) – Lamprell, the UAE-based offshore fabrication contractor, has achieved a significant milestone with the completion and delivery of its second newbuild offshore jack-up rig, designated as Kingdom 2. This rig is part of a planned series of 20 rigs intended to support Saudi Aramco’s extensive drilling operations in Saudi Arabian waters, crucial for meeting the kingdom’s energy demands. Lamprell’s involvement in this project marks its 30th newbuild jack-up rig project, underlining its pivotal role in the global offshore drilling sector.

The construction and subsequent delivery of the Kingdom 2 rig follows the successful delivery of Kingdom 1 in 2023. A formal naming ceremony was conducted at Lamprell’s Hamriyah facility in the UAE in May 2024, marking the rig’s readiness for deployment under the auspices of International Maritime Industries (IMI). IMI, a strategic joint venture comprising Saudi Aramco, Lamprell, Bahri, and Hyundai Heavy Industries, oversees the deployment and operation of these rigs, aiming to enhance Saudi Arabia’s maritime capabilities and bolster its energy infrastructure.

Ian Prescott, CEO of Lamprell, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this achievement, highlighting Lamprell’s steadfast commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030. Prescott emphasized Saudi Arabia as a core market for Lamprell, underscoring the company’s dedication to strengthening its collaboration with IMI and ARO Drilling, another key stakeholder in the venture.

Dr. Abdullah Al Ahmari, CEO of IMI, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the significance of Kingdom 2’s delivery to ARO Drilling, a prominent joint venture between Valaris and Aramco. This milestone not only underscores IMI’s growing industrial capabilities but also highlights its pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime and industrial sectors.

The Kingdom 2 rig, built collaboratively by Lamprell and IMI, incorporates advanced LeTourneau Super 116E design features, integrating high-specification offshore drilling technology. With accommodation facilities capable of housing up to 120 personnel, the rig is equipped to meet stringent offshore operational requirements, ensuring both efficiency and safety.

Mohammed Hejazi, CEO of ARO Drilling, emphasized the strategic significance of the Kingdom series, emphasizing the ambitious 20-rig newbuild program aimed at fortifying ARO Drilling’s fleet and advancing Saudi Arabia’s energy sector capabilities. Hejazi underscored the collaborative efforts between ARO Drilling and IMI, ensuring the seamless integration and operational readiness of Kingdom 2 while setting the stage for future construction projects under the Kingdom series.

The successful delivery of Kingdom 2 marks a critical milestone in ARO Drilling’s expansion strategy, reflecting its commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth in the competitive Saudi Arabian energy market. As Lamprell and its consortium partners look forward, the completion of Kingdom 2 not only sets a precedent for future advancements in offshore drilling capabilities but also underscores the strategic partnership driving Saudi Arabia’s maritime and energy ambitions.