China bow for Aker Kvaerner

Norway's Aker Kvaerner has landed its first drilling equipment systems gig in the Chinese offshore market, bagging a $128 million deal with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) for an ultra deep-water semi-submersible drilling rig.

The workscope covers the drilling equipment package, installation and commissioning supervision.

Aker Kvaerner's executive vice president Mads Andersen said: "This first delivery of drilling equipment systems into the Chinese offshore market is a breakthrough for Aker Kvaerner."

The ultra deep-water drilling rig is scheduled for delivery early 2011.