Page 17: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Sep/Oct 2025)

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MARKETS RIGS dates could be 1970s-built C.E. Thornton and F.G. Mc- offshore drilling dynamics.

Clintock, and Ron Tappmeyer. Competitors will be watching closely. The new entity’s

In terms of market impact, this merger could create a ability to offer competitive dayrates from a modern feet, power shift. With reduced competition, contractors may while leveraging scale and regional dominance, puts pres- gain leverage in negotiating higher dayrates. Where ADES sure on smaller players and reshapes the economics of has aggressively grown through acquisition, Shelf has fo- shallow-water drilling. The industry may soon realize this cused on modernization and diversifcation. Combined, was not just a smart deal, but as a turning point with last- they form a company with both cost discipline and stra- ing implications for feet optimization, pricing power, and tegic fexibility. even future M&A activity across the sector.

With this merger, ADES isn’t just consolidating rigs, *Esgian only considers competitive jackup offshore drilling rigs it’s redrawing the competitive map. The combined entity and owned assets by each contractor (excluding jackup barges becomes the clear leader in jackup drilling, not only in and mobile offshore production units “MOPU”). size and value, but also in geographic reach, feet quality, 1

Standard - built 2008 and later, with design water depth of and client diversity. It marks a turning point where Middle <350ft, non-harsh-environment.

East capital, strategy, and energy ambition are no longer 2

Premium jackups - built 2008 and later, with design water confned to local markets but are actively reshaping global depth of >349ft, non-harsh-environment.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 17