Mexican operator Grupo R has signed a contract with Shell for the lease of the La Muralla IV drilling rig to operate in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Grupo R said on Tueday that the integrated contract model signed with Shell would provide Shell with the drilling rig, as well as the support team to drill three wells, with option for extensions, in deep water since the third quarter of 2020.

“At Shell we are committed to promoting the development of a modern, innovative and competitive energy sector for Mexico. With the hiring and promotion of Mexican companies with extensive experience and capacity for the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons, we favor the generation of quality jobs and help promote the development of the economy,” said Pablo Tejera Cuesta, Upstream Director of Shell México.

David Stewart, Global Vice President of Shell Deepwater Wells, said: “We are convinced that by combining the experience of Grupo R with our global experience, we will contribute to the development of deepwater exploration in Mexico, always in line with the highest standards in industrial safety.”

Ramiro Garza, President of Grupo R, said: “We are proud that Shell has chosen Group R to provide the leasing services of the La Muralla IV deepwater drilling rig. For our Group, this contract is proof that we are a growing company with the ambition and the ability to become an international marine drilling company.”

La Muralla IV is a 6th generation semi-submersible drilling unit of a GVA7500 design. The rig is designed to operate in 10,000 ft water depth.