Ashgabat, May 4, 2025 — The Europe Today: The first Kazakhstani self-elevating floating drilling rig (SEDR) ‘Satti’, owned by KMG Drilling & Services LLP (KMG DS), is set to commence operations at the Cheleken field in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, according to News Hub Consultants.
The Satti jack-up rig is currently undergoing technical preparations for its planned towing to the drilling site. This deployment follows a drilling services contract signed in 2024 between KMG DS, a subsidiary of KazMunayGas, and Dragon Oil Turkmenistan Limited.
Originally constructed as a pioneering Kazakhstani offshore platform, the Satti rig underwent major upgrades in 2021, enhancing its lifting capacity from 453 to 680 tons. It is now capable of drilling wells up to 6,000 meters deep, making it well-suited for the challenging marine conditions of the Caspian region.
This project marks a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s strategy to expand its footprint in the global oilfield services market. It also underscores the growing economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, particularly in the energy and offshore drilling sectors.
In a related development, KMG DS opened a branch in Ashgabat in October 2024 to support its ongoing and future operations at the Cheleken field, reinforcing its long-term commitment to energy collaboration in the region.
