China’s COSCO (Nantong) Shipyard Co. has delivered a tender rig T-18 to Seadrill.

Seadrill, one of the world’s largest drilling contractors ordered the tender rig in May 2012. Total project price is estimated at US$135 million, including project management, drilling and handling tools, spares, and capitalized interest.

T18 is similar to the three tender rigs Seadrill ordered from COSCO last year, with enhanced drilling capabilities allowing for higher drilling efficiency including the advantage of a light weight drilling equipment set.

The rig is able to drill at 6,500 feet and a drilling depth capacity of 20,000 feet.The tender assist rig T18 will now begin its contract with Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Ltd. The estimated value of the five-year contract is approximately US$235 million.