The order has been placed on Maersk Drilling’s first two ultra-deepwater drillships that will ensure better service to its customers.

Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea will build the vessels which are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2013. The contract, which was signed on the 5th of April, also includes an option to buy two additional drillships.

This will be the first drillships in Maersk Drilling's ultra deepwater fleet. They will complement the existing three deepwater semi-submersibles.

The 228 meter long drill ships will be able to operate at water depths up to 12,000 ft (3,650 m) and will be capable of drilling wells of more than 40,000 ft (12,200 m). With its advanced positioning control system (Dynamic Positioning System) the ships will automatically maintain a fixed position in severe weather conditions with waves up to 11 meters and wind speeds up to 26 meters per second.

Similar to the design philosophy on Maersk Drilling's ultra deepwater semi-submersibles the drillship design includes features for high efficiency operation including a double derrick, which allows for simultaneous activities. The extensive storage areas and tank capacities provide an advantage when operating in areas with less developed infrastructure and limited presence of suppliers. Together with the higher transit speed the increased capacity will reduce the overall logistics costs for the oil companies. The drillships also feature a record accommodation capacity for 230 people.