End of the line for Jasper Explorer drillship

Offshore rig broker Bassoe Offshore has announced that the Jasper Explorer drillship has been sold for scrap.

Data on Bassoe Analytics website shows the Jasper Explorer was sold to GMS for US$6.3 million earlier in September.

The Jasper Explorer was built in January 1973 by IHC Gusto Engineering Netherlands under the name of Havdrill.

During its long life, the drillship was renamed several times: Neptune Explorer (May 2005), Northern Explorer 3 (April 1998), Explorer 3 (September 1997), Canmar Explorer 3 (June 1976), Havdrill (January 1973).

In 2009, the drillship was fully rebuilt with fifth generation drilling equipment capable of drilling up to 5,000 feet of water depth.

According to Data from VesselsValue the vessel has been stacked since March 2014.

When last reported on, in 2013, the Jasper Explorer had arrived at Pointe Noire, Republic of  Congo, to drill two wells for CNOOC there.

The vessel is currently located at anchor at Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Source: Offshore Energy Today