The Norbe IX drillship, operated by Foresea, a leading offshore drilling company in Brazil, is currently anchored in the city of Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, for scheduled maintenance. The vessel is expected to remain at the shipyard for approximately 60 days. Upon completion of the work, Norbe IX’s next contract will be in the Santos Basin, operating in the Sépia and Itapu fields, where Petrobras is the operator, alongside partners such as Shell, TotalEnergies, Galp, Petronas, and PPSA.

During the maintenance period in Angra dos Reis, services are planned for all drilling equipment, thrusters, motor generators, and the BOP (blowout preventer) system. The scope also includes an upgrade of the fire and gas detection system, renewal of the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) class certificate, replacement of piping, painting, and other activities aimed at ensuring the unit’s integrity.

Norbe IX—the first drillship to perform an automated drilling operation in the Americas and one of the most modern rigs in the world—will rely on the work of more than 500 Foresea and third-party professionals dedicated to these activities.

“It is an integrated effort involving different technical and operational areas, which highlights Foresea’s commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, rigorous planning, and the safe management of its assets,” says Renato Costa, Foresea’s Director of Operations.

Click here to watch the video on the first phase of Norbe IX’s Automation.

About Foresea
Foresea provides offshore drilling solutions and operates its own fleet consisting of the rigs ODN I, ODN II, Norbe VI, Norbe VIII, and Norbe IX, all under active contracts. The company holds APIQ2 international certification for quality and efficiency across its entire fleet and boasts the highest operational uptime rate in the market.

Foresea operates in deepwater and ultra-deepwater environments for Brazil’s upstream offshore oil and gas industry. Its core values include high operational performance achieved with full respect for personnel safety and environmental protection, as well as strong partnerships and trust with clients. The company adheres to ESG principles and follows the most stringent environmental, social, and governance practices. More information: www.foresea.com.