Aker Drilling was established in 2005 for the purpose of placing newbuilding contracts with Aker Solutions ASA for Aker Spitsbergen and Aker Barents.
In December 2005, the Company successfully completed an IPO and was subsequently listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.
In 2006, Aker Drilling’s management team was in place, and key positions within offshore and onshore organisations were filled. The Company’s head office was established in Stavanger, Norway, and long term contracts were secured with Statoil ASA and Aker Exploration ASA which later merged with Det norske oljeselskap ASA.
In 2007, Seadrill announced its intention to make a voluntary offer for all outstanding shares in Aker Drilling. Aker ASA, through its wholly owned subsidiary Aker Capital, voluntary passed 40% ownership and launched a mandatory offer, which subsequently led to the de-listing of the Company in March 2008.
In 2009, the Company took delivery of Aker Barents and Aker Spitsbergen. Aker Barents subsequently commenced drilling operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf for Det norske oljeselskap ASA in July 2009.
In 2010, Aker Barents successfully drilled two deepwater wells for Shell Norway and during the same year Aker Spitsbergen commenced drilling operations and completed its planned upgrade work as agreed with Statoil ASA on time and budget.
