KCA DEUTAG enters Polish shale gas sector with Marathon Petroleum Poland drilling contract

Today (4th September), KCA DEUTAG announced imminent entry into the Polish market and unconventionals sector after successfully securing a contract with Marathon Petroleum Poland, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO). 

The contract is to drill four shale gas wells with a future option of seven additional wells.  Operations will begin next month using  KCA DEUTAG’s 1500HP EURO-rig, the T-207. 
  
KCA DEUTAG’s chief executive Holger Temmen commented: “This is an exciting time of dynamic expansion for KCA DEUTAG.  This award marks our entry into the emerging Polish market and the European shale gas sector.  The potential of unconventional oil and gas reserves in Europe is truly significant and KCA DEUTAG are particularly well placed to address clients’ drilling requirements, both in terms of the quality of our rig assets and our in-depth understanding of the operational and legislative environment in our home European market.  We are excited by this early contract award and anticipate further new rig investments to address the shale gas market, as projects move from exploration to appraisal and hopefully full development.”

Dirk Schulze, Chief Executive of KCA DEUTAG’s sister company BENTEC said: “We are committed to supporting the drilling contracting community with our innovative and efficient rig and  drilling equipment designs.  The EUROrig is a bespoke design for the European market, fully compliant with European electrical standards and load restrictions.  It has a small footprint, noise attenuation and ‘no spill’ environmental features.  The recent sale of a EUROrig to Polish drilling contractor NAFTA Pila further demonstrates the appeal of this rig design for European projects. ”

This move into Poland builds on multiple successes secured so far this year.  Last year KCA DEUTAG was awarded offshore and onshore contracts totaling more than $1.6bn   Particular highlights include multimillion dollar agreements in Europe and Africa as well as entry into the dynamic Iraqi and Brazilian oil and gas markets.  KCA DEUTAG was also recently recognised by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) for workplace safety, winning the North Sea Chapter’s best performance for safety award in the platforms category.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Please contact Louise Nicolson, Bread PR, on 07515 881 474 for further information, photographs and interviews.

KCA DEUTAG is one of the world's largest international land drilling contractors, with 63 rigs worldwide and one of the largest platform drilling contractors worldwide.  The Company also operates a fleet of six Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (three wholly owned jack-ups and three self erect tender barges).  KCA DEUTAG employs approximately 8,000 people and operates in over 20 countries worldwide.