Multinational Seadrill has selected the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife for the reactivation of two major ultra-deepwater rigs, signaling a significant milestone for the local maritime and industrial sector. The West Jupiter and West Carina units will undergo repair and upgrading at Tenerife Shipyards, which serves as the primary contractor with support from local engineering and service firms. The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife confirms that these activities are planned ahead of potential contractual work in Brazil, ensuring readiness before new offshore engagements begin.
To deliver these tasks, Tenerife Shipyards has engaged local subcontractors known for their specialized capabilities. Aveman will provide air conditioning and related services, while Ateca brings offshore operations experience to the project. Trident will handle underwater repairs, and Bone Cranes will contribute crane-related work. These collaborations underscore the port community’s capacity to coordinate complex maintenance campaigns in line with international industry standards.
Puertos de Tenerife notes that the reactivation of the West Jupiter and West Carinae represents a substantial investment, described as significant for the region. The initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity within the Tenerife port community to a level around four million euros, reflecting direct and indirect gains through the project lifecycle. The broader impact includes employment for crews and company personnel, hotel stays, travel, meals, and related services associated with the repair program.
The scope of the project includes a range of specialized tasks. These encompass the repair of flame burners, inspection of drill pipes, cement injection work, and the handling of crude oil extraction pipelines. Additional activities include crane maintenance and the disassembly and reassembly of engines, all accompanied by comprehensive equipment certifications to meet regulatory and safety standards.
The Port Authority emphasizes the positive knock-on effects for the Chicharrero facility and the surrounding urban center. Beyond the direct repair work, the operation supports ancillary needs from accommodations and logistics to meals and transportation for the crews, as well as personnel involved in producer and technical roles. This integrated approach reinforces Santa Cruz de Tenerife as a key hub for offshore maintenance in the Atlantic region.
In related developments, West Carinae has an existing contract with another Seadrill drilling unit operating in Brazil’s Buzios field. This connection highlights the long-standing strategic relationship between Seadrill and the port community, reinforcing the port’s role in supporting major offshore projects across multiple geographies. The Port Authority confirms that marine repair services remain a strategic priority and notes that Seadrill has previously entrusted important repair work to the Port of Chicharrero, reflecting established collaboration between the company and the port region.