# Odfjell Drilling to manage Beacon Pacific for Serica’s UK drilling campaign

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/odfjell-drilling-to-manage-beacon-pacific-for-sericas-uk-drilling-campaign/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-03T17:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-02T17:35:05+00:00
- **Section:** General
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Beacon Pacific, Beacon Pacific Offshore, Bruce Field, Drilling Contracts, Greater Laggan Area, Kyla, North Sea, Odfjell Drilling, Offshore Drilling, Rig Management, Semi-Submersible Rig, Serica Energy, UK Continental Shelf

Odfjell Drilling has secured an agreement to manage the sixth-generation semi-submersible drilling rig *Beacon Pacific*during a multi-well programme for Serica Energy on the UK Continental Shelf, with operations scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027.

The drilling contract has been signed between Serica Energy (UK) Limited and Beacon Pacific Offshore Ltd, while Odfjell Drilling will provide operational management throughout the programme. Its responsibilities will include mobilisation and transit of the rig to the United Kingdom, as well as preparation for offshore operations.

The contract covers a firm programme of six wells and includes options for further drilling activity. Reactivation work on the *Beacon Pacific* has already partially commenced ahead of Odfjell Drilling assuming management responsibilities.

The addition of the rig is expected to expand Odfjell Drilling’s managed fleet to nine high-specification harsh-environment drilling units.

### Drilling to begin at Bruce field

Serica Energy intends to begin the campaign at the Bruce field in the UK North Sea, where the programme will involve the first new drilling activity since 2012.

The company expects the initial Bruce wells to target incremental production exceeding 10,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with first production potentially beginning around 12 months after drilling starts.

The *Beacon Pacific* has been upgraded for operations in water depths of up to 620 metres and is expected to support a range of drilling opportunities across Serica’s portfolio. Its capabilities could also allow the rig to undertake plugging and abandonment work where required.

Serica has identified further opportunities at Kyla and in the Greater Laggan Area, although progression of those projects remains subject to partner and regulatory approvals.

Across its wider portfolio, the company estimates that the drilling opportunities under consideration could potentially contribute up to 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in additional production. These figures represent development targets rather than confirmed future output.

### Odfjell expands managed drilling fleet

Kjetil Gjersdal, Chief Executive Officer of Odfjell Drilling AS, said the agreement would extend the company’s managed fleet and build on its experience operating high-specification offshore drilling units.

“The Beacon Pacific is similar in capability and specification to the Deepsea Yantai, which we have been managing for many years now,” said Kjetil Gjersdal, CEO of Odfjell Drilling AS.

The company will work with the rig owner and Serica Energy to complete preparations before the planned deployment to the UK sector.

Serica Energy Chief Executive Chris Cox described securing the rig as a step towards implementing the company’s organic growth programme, with the initial Bruce campaign intended to support additional production through existing offshore infrastructure.

Neither company disclosed the contract value, day rate or expected duration of the six-well programme in the announcements.

The agreement establishes a new operational management assignment for Odfjell Drilling while providing Serica Energy with a drilling unit for its planned offshore development activities from 2027.

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Cite as: "Odfjell Drilling to manage Beacon Pacific for Serica’s UK drilling campaign", pelavox., 3 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/odfjell-drilling-to-manage-beacon-pacific-for-sericas-uk-drilling-campaign/