Business & Finance Club - Abu Dhabi: The National Drilling Company (NDC) awarded a contract to Lamprell to construct two offshore oil drilling jack up rigs at a cost of more than Dh1.1 billion.

The contract was signed by Abdullah Saeed Al Suwaidi, NDC general manager, and Nigel McCue, Lamprell chief executive officer.

Al Suwaidi said that the awarding of this project marks a significant milestone in NDC's history.

He added that it is in line with NDC's strategic plans to meet the future needs of its clients. The rigs will be built according to the most advanced international standards and conform to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) vision on health, safety and environment.

He expressed appreciation to the leadership of Abu Dhabi for its wise vision and guidance and extended thanks to the government and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company management for approving his project.

NDC operates a fleet of 28 drilling rigs (18 onshore and 10 offshore) and looks forward to almost doubling this number in the coming years. It also has a multi-purpose service vessel as well as five water well rigs.

In October 2009, NDC awarded a contract to Baoji Oil Field Machinery company to construct several drilling rigs at a cost of around Dh800 million.