Aberdeen-based Northern Offshore UK Ltd has announced an extension to its ongoing drilling services contract with Maersk Oil and Gas for the jackup Energy Endeavour, worth an estimated US $6million.

This extension is for work on an additional well, plus an optional workover well and will commence in direct continuation from the conclusion of the current well. This is expected to keep the Energy Endeavour under contract in Denmark until late January 2010, or mid February 2010 if the option is exercised.

Northern Offshore UK, which operates offshore oil and gas production and drilling vessels deployed around the world, is now one of the UK’s most significant rig operators. The company’s fleet consists of one floating production facility and five drilling units (a drillship, a semisubmersible and three jackup drilling rigs). The Northern Offshore fleet operates in various markets including the North Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and Southeast Asia.

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"We are delighted to announce the extension of this significant contact for the Energy Endeavour in this highly competitive climate," said Northern Offshore UK General Manager, John Monks.

"We are committed to strengthening our portfolio of work in the North Sea and this extension is a credit to all those working on the existing contract both here in Aberdeen and in Denmark. As we progress our drilling operations throughout our UK fleet we are once again gaining confidence in the market and look forward to the opportunities the New Year has to offer."

After the contract ends Northern Offshore will take the Endeavour into Esbjerg to upgrade the rig accommodation before marketing the unit in all sectors of the North Sea.

(GK/KMcA)