popular articles

Awilco Drilling PLC detaches a special dividend of USD 2.06 per share

Offshore oil group Awilco Drilling PLC enters ex-dividend period on 1 April, marking the detachment of a USD 2.06 per share payment, amid significant cash returns to shareholders.

Please share:

Awilco Drilling PLC, listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker AWDR, announced that its shares will be traded ex-dividend from 1 April. The special dividend amounts to USD 2.06 per share, marking a notable distribution move by the offshore oil exploration and production group. The decision is part of a capital return programme to shareholders, supported by liquidity resulting from recent asset sales.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Awilco Drilling PLC operates semi-submersible drilling rigs in the North Sea. In recent years, the company has scaled down its operational activities, progressively divesting its drilling units. The dividend detachment reflects the current strategy of capital value realisation for shareholders, in a context where no new industrial projects have been initiated.

Capital return driven by surplus cash

The level of the distributed dividend follows the financial policy adopted by the board of directors since 2023. The company, now without active drilling operations, has chosen to redistribute its cash reserves rather than reinvest them. The transaction complies with the procedures of the Norwegian market, and shareholders registered before 1 April will receive the stated amount.

Awilco Drilling PLC has not announced a schedule for any future similar payments. The absence of investment or growth projects suggests that further capital returns could be considered, although no official statement has been made. The company remains listed on Oslo’s regulated market with low trading liquidity.

Listed status maintained despite operational inactivity

Since 2020, Awilco Drilling has initiated a transformation of its business model in response to structural challenges in the offshore drilling sector. The shift towards a residual asset management company has translated into a gradual withdrawal from the oil sector.

The dividend distribution, made possible by the sale of its rigs, marks a significant step in this repositioning. Despite the lack of operations, maintaining the listing allows the company to retain some visibility on financial markets, while remaining free to adjust its strategy as its portfolio evolves.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

US crude oil inventories fall by 4.3 million barrels

Commercial crude reserves in the United States declined more than expected, following increased refinery activity according to EIA data published on June 4.
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Shell to increase its stake in Brazil’s offshore Lapa field to 48%, while divesting its interest in Gato do Mato.
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Shell to increase its stake in Brazil’s offshore Lapa field to 48%, while divesting its interest in Gato do Mato.
SBM Offshore has signed a divestment agreement with GEPetrol to fully withdraw from the FPSO Aseng project in Equatorial Guinea, with an operational transition phase of up to one year.
SBM Offshore has signed a divestment agreement with GEPetrol to fully withdraw from the FPSO Aseng project in Equatorial Guinea, with an operational transition phase of up to one year.
Meren Energy has launched a partial divestment process for its EG-18 and EG-31 assets to attract new partners and reduce its exposure in Equatorial Guinea.
Meren Energy has launched a partial divestment process for its EG-18 and EG-31 assets to attract new partners and reduce its exposure in Equatorial Guinea.

PTAS Aker Solutions secures two-year offshore maintenance contract in Brunei

The oil services joint venture extends its contract with Brunei Shell Petroleum for maintenance and upgrade operations on offshore installations in the South China Sea.
Renaissance Africa Energy confirmed to the Nigerian government the operational takeover of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets, stating it had surpassed the 200,000 barrels per day production mark.
Renaissance Africa Energy confirmed to the Nigerian government the operational takeover of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s onshore assets, stating it had surpassed the 200,000 barrels per day production mark.
Australian company Woodside Energy has filed a complaint with ICSID against Senegal, challenging a CFA40bn tax reassessment related to the offshore Sangomar oil project.
Australian company Woodside Energy has filed a complaint with ICSID against Senegal, challenging a CFA40bn tax reassessment related to the offshore Sangomar oil project.
Nigeria introduces a tax credit capped at 20% for oil operators meeting cost reduction targets, with a focus on gas and offshore projects.
Nigeria introduces a tax credit capped at 20% for oil operators meeting cost reduction targets, with a focus on gas and offshore projects.

Morocco funds expert mission to revive offshore exploration

Following the withdrawal of two British companies, Morocco launches a MAD2.5mn ($270,000) expert mission to boost the appeal of its offshore oil and gas sector.
International Petroleum Corporation repurchased 89,200 common shares between 26 and 30 May under its buyback programme compliant with Canadian and European regulations.
International Petroleum Corporation repurchased 89,200 common shares between 26 and 30 May under its buyback programme compliant with Canadian and European regulations.
US energy companies reduced the number of active rigs for the fifth consecutive week, reaching their lowest level since November 2021, according to data published by Baker Hughes.
US energy companies reduced the number of active rigs for the fifth consecutive week, reaching their lowest level since November 2021, according to data published by Baker Hughes.
The Swedish government will implement new disclosure rules for foreign vessels, specifically targeting tankers linked to Russia’s hard-to-trace oil fleet.
The Swedish government will implement new disclosure rules for foreign vessels, specifically targeting tankers linked to Russia’s hard-to-trace oil fleet.

Petrobras signs two agreements in Angola to relaunch its offshore activities

Brazilian group Petrobras formalises its return to Angola with two memorandums of understanding signed with Sonangol and the national oil regulator, targeting offshore exploration without immediate financial commitment.
The Abuja Court of Appeal rejected Malabu Oil & Gas’s lawsuit against Agip, Eni’s subsidiary, by upholding the statute of limitations on the OPL 245 oil block case.
The Abuja Court of Appeal rejected Malabu Oil & Gas’s lawsuit against Agip, Eni’s subsidiary, by upholding the statute of limitations on the OPL 245 oil block case.
Portugal’s Galp expects a production surge in Brazil driven by the offshore Bacalhau field, in partnership with Sinopec, Equinor and ExxonMobil.
Portugal’s Galp expects a production surge in Brazil driven by the offshore Bacalhau field, in partnership with Sinopec, Equinor and ExxonMobil.
North Atlantic has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire the Gravenchon refinery, France’s second-largest, from ExxonMobil in a deal reshaping the industrial landscape of the Seine Valley.
North Atlantic has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire the Gravenchon refinery, France’s second-largest, from ExxonMobil in a deal reshaping the industrial landscape of the Seine Valley.

Shell strengthens position in Nigeria by acquiring TotalEnergies’ stake in Bonga

TotalEnergies sells its 12.5% stake in the offshore Bonga oil field to Shell for $510mn, raising the British group's share to 67.5% in the OML 118 block off the Nigerian coast.
The Trump administration authorizes Chevron to maintain limited stakes in Venezuela while prohibiting oil production and export, marking a decisive shift for the oil sector amid geopolitical tensions with Maduro’s government.
The Trump administration authorizes Chevron to maintain limited stakes in Venezuela while prohibiting oil production and export, marking a decisive shift for the oil sector amid geopolitical tensions with Maduro’s government.
Indonesia Energy announces a ramp-up in its oil assets with a 60% increase in proven reserves and confirms a strategic shift toward gradual energy diversification.
Indonesia Energy announces a ramp-up in its oil assets with a 60% increase in proven reserves and confirms a strategic shift toward gradual energy diversification.
SK Innovation, through its subsidiary SK Earthon, is accelerating investments in offshore oil exploration projects in Southeast Asia, enhancing South Korea's energy security through a regional strategy focused on operational efficiency.
SK Innovation, through its subsidiary SK Earthon, is accelerating investments in offshore oil exploration projects in Southeast Asia, enhancing South Korea's energy security through a regional strategy focused on operational efficiency.

Russia Challenges Adjustment to Price Cap on Its Oil Exports

As Western nations debate an adjustment to the price ceiling on Russian oil, Moscow firmly rejects these measures as market-distorting, citing a lack of significant impact on its current exports.
Carlo McLeod joins the new presidential unit dedicated to hydrocarbons as Namibia centralises oil sector governance under the head of state.
Carlo McLeod joins the new presidential unit dedicated to hydrocarbons as Namibia centralises oil sector governance under the head of state.
Valeura Energy has completed eight wells on Block B5/27 in the Gulf of Thailand, securing stable output and preparing a new investment phase at the Nong Yao field.
Valeura Energy has completed eight wells on Block B5/27 in the Gulf of Thailand, securing stable output and preparing a new investment phase at the Nong Yao field.
Shell recognised Mecpec Trading for its 2023 fuel sales growth and contribution to Singapore's distribution network, with a 23% increase in total volume delivered.
Shell recognised Mecpec Trading for its 2023 fuel sales growth and contribution to Singapore's distribution network, with a 23% increase in total volume delivered.

Advertising