About

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

1965

Established.

1967

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

1980

Key production role on the Valhall field in the North Sea.

1984

1984

Discovery of the Troll field.

1985

1985

Drilled the first well at the Ettick Field in Portugal.

1998

1998

The first semi-submersible rig to drill in the Falkland Islands

1999

1999

Completed the total rebuild of the Bideford rig.

2000

2000

Completed the total rebuild of the Borgland Dolphin rig.

2001

2001

Entered the ultra-deepwater market with the Belford Dolphin drillship.

2005

2005

Achieved our ISO9001 Quality Management System Certification.

2007

2007

Dolphin Drilling had 10 units in operation during this period.

2008

2008

Achieved our ISO14001 Environmental Management System Certification

2009

2009

Completed the total rebuild of the Blackford Dolphin rig.

2013-2015

2013-2015

Bideford Dolphin was named Rig of the Year by Statoil for three consecutive years.

2014

2014

New build Dynamic Positioned Drillship, Bolette Dolphin, joined the fleet.

2016

2016

Achieved OPITO accreditation for our competence management system.

2017

2017

Achieved IADC accreditation for our competence management system.

2019

2019

Dolphin Drilling restructured, welcomed new ownership and rebranded.

2021

2021

The first company of its kind that successfully secured ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification.

2022

2022

Listed on the Oslo Euronext Growth Exchange.

2023

2023

Acquired Paul B. Loyd Jr. to Dolphin Drilling from Transocean.

2024

2024

Achieved our ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification.

2025

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.

Delivering Safe, Efficient, and Reliable Drilling Operations

Learn more about our Enhanced Aker H3 and H4 rigs, engineered for safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the toughest conditions.