Drill rigs are used to confirm that oil exists – and the amount and type of oil – in an area that scientists have identified as highly likely to hold oil. They are also used to drill wells for oil production.
45 to 150 people are required on board to operate an offshore drill rig and conduct the necessary drilling activities. The cost of building a drill rig can exceed $750 million.
The drill rigs that are commonly used offshore Newfoundland and Labrador include the West Aquarius, the Henry Goodrich, the GSF Grand Banks and the West Hercules.
Onshore drilling rigs – which are quite different from offshore rigs – may be seen again in the future on the Port au Port Peninsula on Newfoundland’s west coast. There they will drill exploratory wells to get further information about oil that has been discovered both on and offshore in the region.