Back to overview Home Fossil Energy Transocean’s rig trio scoops up $1 billion for drilling work in Norwegian waters Transocean’s rig trio scoops up $1 billion for drilling work in Norwegian waters Project & Tenders July 1, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic Share this article Switzerland-based offshore drilling contractor Transocean has lined up assignments for three of its harsh environment semi-submersible rigs with Norway’s state-owned energy giant Equinor on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). Transocean Encourage rig; Source: Transocean Transocean has entered into an agreement with Equinor, conditional on license approvals, for the use of three of its harsh environment semi-submersible rigs off the coast of Norway. The rig owner emphasizes that the base day rate of $399,000 per day excludes adjustment provisions that will be effective before the start of work and result in an effective day rate exceeding $400,000 per day at commencement. This deal is worth over $1 billion in contract backlog over seven rig years, excluding additional services. The assignment applies to three Cat D rigs, which are designed for Norwegian winter conditions and originally purpose-built for Equinor. Keelan Adamson , Transocean’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This agreement for seven rig years demonstrates the strength and resilience of Norway’s high-specification harsh environment market and our strong relationship with Equinor.  “Together with Equinor, we will continue to drive rig efficiency, improve the cost-effectiveness of wells, and prioritize safe and reliable operations.” The  Transocean Enabler rig has secured a three-year program, which is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028 in direct continuation of the rig’s current program. The Transocean Encourage rig has landed a two-year campaign anticipated to kick off in the first quarter of 2028 in direct continuation of the rig’s current job. The  Transocean Endurance  rig has