Celebrating six decades of operational excellence
For 60 years, Dolphin Drilling has been a pioneer in offshore drilling, driven by our commitment delivering reliable drilling operations across the globe. As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on our journey of continuous improvement, the dedication of our people and the partnerships that have driven our growth and success.
Our Operational Footprint
Get to know what makes some of Dolphin Drilling's dedicated long-serving team tick
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
2009
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.