digging through the archives, a report from 1989 when Conoco...

digging through the archives, a report from 1989 when Conoco contracted a drill rig for Nogal 1, which actually spudded on Nov 1, ahead of schedule (less than 2 months total from drill contract to spudding):


From http://www.biyokulule.com/1980s%20Exploration%20Agreements.htm

PARKER LANDS MAJOR CONTRACT IN SOMALIA

6 September 1989

TULSA, Okla., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Drilling Co. (NYSE: PKD) today announced a subsidiary has been awarded a major drilling contract in Somalia.

Conoco Somalia Ltd. has awarded Parker Drilling Co. Eastern Hemisphere Ltd., a long-term contract to drill exploratory wells in the remote Las Anod desert region of the East African nation. As a result of the contract, Parker has re-opened a division office in the capital city of Mogadishu.

"Parker is grateful to again be returning to this important country," said Robert L. Parker Jr., president and chief operating officer. "We are especially pleased to renew our good relationships with the various Somali officials," he added.

Parker's versatile TBA 2000 Rig 195 is being mobilized for the contract. The rig, presently idle in the Sudan, is being trucked to Port Sudan. From there, it will proceed by barge to the northern Somalia port city of Bosaso and then transferred to trucks for the 430-mile, cross-desert trip to Conoco's initial location. From the Kenya port of Mombasa, other Parker camp facilities and equipment are being barged to Bosaso as well.

Wayne Hazelwood, a Parker employee who last worked in Somalia in 1986, has been named operations manager for the project. Spudding is expected to take place Nov. 15.

Parker is a worldwide oil and gas drilling contractor with operations in 15 countries.

© 1989, PR Newswire

cheers
Marny