ABOUT
SIX DECADES OF OFFSHORE DRILLING
A trusted global drilling partner since 1965, delivering innovation, safety, and reliability through decades of experience.
Founded in 1965, Dolphin Drilling is one of the oldest and most trusted drilling contractors operating globally, with a long-standing legacy of excellence in offshore drilling. For six decades, we have been a pioneer in the industry, delivering dependable and innovative drilling operations across the globe.
Our reputation as a flexible, commercially adaptable, and solutions-oriented partner has earned us the trust of leading oil and gas companies.
Looking back at the History of Dolphin Drilling
1965
Established.
1967
Operated the first drillship on the Norwegian Continental Shelf for Amoco Norway, named Thorshøvdi. It was originally a whale factory ship that was converted into a drillship in 1967. Photo: Unknown/Norwegian Petroleum Museum
1980
Key production role on the Valhall field in the North Sea.
1984
Discovery of the Troll field.
1985
Drilled the first well at the Ettick Field in Portugal.
1998
The first semi-submersible rig to drill in the Falkland Islands
1999
Completed the total rebuild of the Bideford rig.
2000
Completed the total rebuild of the Borgland Dolphin rig.
2001
Entered the ultra-deepwater market with the Belford Dolphin drillship.
2005
Achieved our ISO9001 Quality Management System Certification.
2007
Dolphin Drilling had 10 units in operation during this period.
2008
Achieved our ISO14001 Environmental Management System Certification
2008
Completed the total rebuild of the Blackford Dolphin rig.
2013-2015
Bideford Dolphin was named Rig of the Year by Statoil for three consecutive years.
2014
New build Dynamic Positioned Drillship, Bolette Dolphin, joined the fleet.
2016
Achieved OPITO accreditation for our competence management system.
2017
Achieved IADC accreditation for our competence management system.
2019
Dolphin Drilling restructured, welcomed new ownership and rebranded.
2021
The first company of its kind that successfully secured ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification.
2022
Listed on the Oslo Euronext Growth Exchange.
2023
Acquired Paul B. Loyd Jr. to Dolphin Drilling from Transocean.
2024
Achieved our ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification.
2025
One of the first offshore drilling contractors to celebrate 60 years in business.
Continuous Innovation
We’ve continually adapted to market demands, overseeing major rig rebuilds and consistently delivering safe, efficient, and cutting-edge operations. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement, embracing emerging technologies and exploring new, sustainable solutions for offshore drilling.
Our long-standing relationships with local partners are key to our ongoing success.