In order to extract and transport oil products, offshore drilling companies provide safety gear, drilling rig components, and other necessary equipment.
While the exploration and petroleum product extraction from the rock formation beneath the seabed is known as offshore drilling.
According to the survey the worldwide offshore drilling market will grow at a 7.9 CAGR from now until 2026, reaching 56.97 billion dollars.
The output of hydrocarbon reserves has improved due to the government’s growing interest in and investment in ultra-deepwater exploration.
As a result, well rigging and marine oil provide the catalyst for offshore drilling companies to thrive in the global market.
Two of the commodities that power global economies are oil and natural gas, which have a wide range of uses in the commercial, financial, transportation, and industrial sectors.
By the end of this decade, the offshore drilling industry is predicted to have grown from its 2018 size of 32 billion US dollars to 90 billion.
Without further ado, let’s examine the top 15 offshore drilling companies in the world.
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Top 15 Biggest Offshore Drilling Companies in the World
1. Schlumberger
Schlumberger is a globally recognized oil drilling company and one of the largest offshore drilling companies in the world, playing a vital role in the oil and gas drilling companies sector.
Established in 1926 by Conrad and Marcel Schlumberger, it has grown to operate in more than 120 countries, employing over 100,000 professionals, including engineers, technicians, and research experts.
As a leader among offshore oil rig companies, Schlumberger is known for providing innovative services such as data processing, oil well testing, site assessment, drilling, and hoisting. It also offers management and consulting solutions to major offshore companies and energy firms worldwide.
The company has branch offices in Houston, London, and The Hague, alongside its headquarters in Paris, France, positioning it strongly among offshore companies in USA.
With annual revenues exceeding $48 billion in 2017, Schlumberger continues to rank among the top-performing oil drilling companies globally.
2. Halliburton
Halliburton is one of the largest offshore drilling companies and a key player in the global energy sector. Founded in 1919 by American entrepreneur Erle P. Halliburton, it has grown to become the second-largest provider of products and services for oilfield operations.
Headquartered in Houston, with another main office in Dubai, Halliburton operates in over 75 countries and employs a workforce representing more than 140 nationalities, placing it prominently on the list of offshore drilling companies worldwide.
Halliburton works across the energy lifecycle—from locating reservoirs and managing data to drilling operations, oil well construction, and asset management. It partners with several US offshore drilling companies, often handling major hydraulic fracturing contracts.
Additionally, Halliburton contributes to oil rig offshore companies, drill ship companies, and drilling ship companies, offering cutting-edge geothermal services and innovative stimulation methods that improve oil well productivity, solidifying its role among big offshore companies globally.
3. Fluor Corporation
Fluor Corporation stands as one of the world’s top offshore drilling leaders and is often ranked among the biggest oil rig companies globally.
Established in 1912 by John Simon Fluor, the company started as a construction firm and rapidly expanded by building oil refineries and offshore infrastructure for the energy sector. Today, Fluor operates through its subsidiary drilling companies that serve the oil and gas industry, industrial manufacturing, and engineering and construction projects.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, USA, Fluor employs about 55,000 professionals across more than 50 countries. It has also become a key name among drilling companies in USA, providing services such as design, construction, and management of drilling rig companies and rig companies supporting offshore exploration.
Recognized for innovation and safety, Fluor is diversifying into deepwater oil drilling companies, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most reliable and forward-thinking oil rig companys in the industry.
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4. Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes is a leading rig oil company recognized as one of the best drilling company options in the global energy sector. It delivers a wide range of services for the oil and gas industry, including drilling, cementing, automation, coiled tubing, drill bits, drilling fluids, optimization solutions, and rig equipment provision.
As one of the top offshore drilling rig companies, Baker Hughes also provides industrial asset management and consulting services while contributing to advancements in industrial technology. It plays a vital role among offshore oil drilling companies by supporting exploration and production projects worldwide.
The firm operates as a trusted drilling rig company and works with numerous drilling contractors oil and gas to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Through its partnerships with major drilling contractor companies, Baker Hughes continues to drive innovation across 120+ countries, with headquarters in Houston and facilities across India, Saudi Arabia, Norway, and beyond.
5. Transocean
Transocean is recognized as one of the top offshore drilling companies in the world, known for its advanced fleet and global presence. Established in 1973 through Sonat Incorporated’s merger with several smaller drill rig companies, it has grown into a dominant force in the energy sector.
Headquartered in Vernier, Switzerland, Transocean operates in over 30 countries with key offices in the US, Scotland, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Norway. It generates around $7 billion annually, placing it among the leading US drilling companies and international offshore oil and gas companies.
Its fleet includes 49 offshore units, 15 of which are ultra-deepwater rigs deployed in some of the world’s harshest environments.
As a major oil rig company, Transocean is also involved in subsea drilling companies projects and partners with offshore engineering companies to deliver safe and efficient exploration solutions while offering robust training and internship programs to its 10,000 employees.
6. Ensco Plc
Ensco Plc is a leading name among global offshore drilling contractors, offering cutting-edge offshore drilling services to major energy companies worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK, the company operates a diverse fleet of 39 oil rigs, 13 ultra-deepwater drillships, semisubmersibles, and modern jack-ups, making it one of the most advanced drilling rigs companies in the industry.
With over 5,400 skilled professionals, Ensco generates more than $1 billion annually by operating in strategic regions such as the US Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. This positions it among the top-performing oil+rig+companies and trusted off shore companies serving global energy markets.
Renowned for technological excellence, this drilling company excels in ultra-deepwater and hybrid mooring technology while ensuring efficient reservoir management. As one of the most reliable oil and gas drilling contractors, Ensco continues to push boundaries in offshore energy exploration.
7. Diamond Offshore Drilling
Diamond Offshore Drilling is a prominent player in the oil and gas industry, recognized as one of the most innovative deep water oil drilling companies worldwide.
Established in 1989 and headquartered in Texas, USA, this leading offshore drilling company also operates branch offices across North America, Southeast Asia, and Scandinavia, including Norway. In 2017, it reported annual revenues exceeding $1.5 billion, securing its place among the largest oil drilling companies.
With a fleet of 12 offshore drilling rigs—comprising 8 floating platforms and 4 drill ships—Diamond Offshore has built a strong reputation among elite oil and gas offshore companies.
It is frequently featured on the offshore companies list and is often cited as one of the top 10 offshore drilling companies due to its advanced technologies and operational excellence.
As one of the most trusted oil and drilling companies, it continues to deliver efficient and safe solutions for complex offshore projects.
8. Rowan Companies
Rowan Companies has been a key player in the energy sector for over 90 years, making it one of the most established domestic oil drilling companies in the world.
Founded in Britain in 1923 by Charles and Arch Rowan as Rowan Drilling, the company specialized in offshore oil and natural gas well excavation. Now headquartered in London, England, it generates about $1.4 billion in annual sales.
In 2019, it merged with Ensco Plc and was renamed Ensco Rowan Plc, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESV. This merger solidified its reputation among the top offshore drilling companies 2024, positioning it as one of the most advanced offshore rig companies globally.
With a modern fleet including four drill ships and over thirty jack-up rigs, Rowan is frequently listed among the list of oil rig companies, top 10 offshore companies, rigs companies, and is widely regarded as a reliable oil rig contractor.
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9. Noble Corporation
Noble Corporation operates a fleet of over 20 mobile offshore drilling units, including 12 floaters and 8 jack-up rigs, positioning it among the leading offshore drilling companies in the global energy market. Known for its deep-water and jack-up drilling expertise, Noble serves both independent enterprises and government-owned corporations across multiple regions.
The company has been active in offshore drilling since 1985 and has earned a reputation for maintaining one of the industry’s most adaptable fleets.
Its London headquarters oversees operations while branch offices in the US, Canada, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Qatar, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and other countries support its international presence. In 2021, the company generated over $1.2 billion in revenue and employed more than 2,500 people.
By integrating offshore drilling equipment manufacturers, offshore services companies, and offshore construction companies, Noble stands out among oil & gas drilling companies, oil drilling companies in USA, offshore oil companies, and is often listed in the top 10 oil and gas recruitment agencies worldwide.
10. Seadrill
Seadrill was founded in 2005 by Norwegian business magnate John Fredriksen and has since grown into the tenth largest offshore drilling company worldwide. The firm focuses on developing and implementing advanced marine technologies while enhancing digital connectivity to better manage client assets.
Seadrill operates 35 drilling rigs, including a standardized fleet of floaters and jack-ups, supported by its rig asset management technology that delivers real-time operational data and performance analysis. The company also offers leadership and technical training through its dedicated marine and subsea training facilities.
Headquartered in London and incorporated in Hamilton, Bermuda, Seadrill employs over 4,000 people and maintains regional offices in more than 20 countries, including a major base in Houston. Its cutting-edge operations place
it among the top drilling engineering companies, drilling and exploration companies, deep water drilling companies, deepwater drilling companies, biggest oil drilling companies, oil and gas exploration & drilling companies, and leading American oil drilling companies.
11. China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL)
China Oilfield Services (COSL) is the largest offshore drilling company in China and one of the biggest globally. Reporting $3.17 billion in sales in 2018—a 25.36% increase from the previous year—COSL demonstrated strong growth in the oil and gas sector.
Of its total revenue, 74% came from domestic operations, while 26% originated from international activities. Its drilling services companies segment saw a 22.2% rise, and well services, maritime services, and transportation services increased by 40% and 10.7%, respectively, highlighting its efficiency and broad capabilities. The geophysical services segment experienced a slight decline of 2.3% from 2017.
COSL operates 51 drilling rigs, including 33 domestic units and 18 overseas rigs, deployed for projects like the Luno II oilfield in Norway and the Mako gas field in Indonesia.
This positions COSL among the best offshore drilling companies, oil well drilling companies, natural gas drilling companies, oil rigs companies, and leading off-shore companies worldwide.
12. Borr Drilling
Established in 2016, Bor Drilling is a global offshore contractor in the oilfield sector. Hamilton, Bermuda, is home to the main headquarters.
It is among the top offshore drilling firms that guarantee effective and safe operations. It specializes in offering rig components to acquire substantial petroleum reserves at offshore areas through its cutting-edge oilfield services.
This offshore unit provides a complete range of jack-ups to drill 30 to 400 feet in water depths. These jack-up rigs make oil and gas exploration easy and efficient.
It offers almost 20 such rigs for the exploration of vast oilfield deposits. Through the pressure control equipment, it manages to optimize offshore drilling up to the mark.
Also, it provides reliable services to its employees working internationally. Borr Drilling offers fascinating opportunities to deliver high-quality offshore drilling services worldwide in hydrocarbon basins.
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13. Stena Drilling
One of the forerunners in the growth and innovation of offshore drilling operations is Stena Drilling. With its main office in Aberdeen, UK, Stena Drilling is a fully owned subsidiary of Stena AB.
The business actively participates in deepwater drilling and offshore drilling unit design for operational success on a worldwide scale.
This drilling firm makes many high-quality drillship types available, specifically tailored to undersea drilling circumstances.
These may be used based on the water depth and include Stena Carron, Stena Drillmax, Stena Forth, Stena Icemax, Stena Don, and Stena Spey. The world’s first dynamically positioned drillship is the company’s Stena Icemax.
14. Saipem
Enrico Mattie established Saipem, an offshore drilling firm located in Italy, in 1957. The headquarters are located in Milan, Italy’s San Donato.
Its cutting-edge oilfield services make the procedure simple by offering offshore drilling construction blueprints and effective technology.
In Europe, Iran, Algeria, Norway, Germany, Spain, and other countries, this offshore corporation is the primary pipeline building contractor.
The trans-Mediterranean pipeline, zee pipe, semi-submersible pipelay boats, and other products are the company’s primary products.
To further facilitate efficient and seamless offshore drilling, Saipem builds the second-largest crane vessel in the world.
To facilitate oil and gas drilling under the surface, it uses sophisticated floaters, water-based drilling fluid systems, subsea pipelines, drilling rigs, and other sophisticated offshore equipment.
15. Petrofac
Petrofac provides well integrity management, well operations performance optimization and enhancement, field assessment and management, and well engineering design.
Petrofac, a British provider of oilfield services, saw an 8.85% drop in sales in 2018 from $6.39 billion in 2017 to $5.83 billion.
Deepwater drilling, coiled tubing drilling, extended reach drilling, high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) drilling, hydraulic workover operations (HWU), and multilateral wells are among the offshore drilling services offered by the firm.
The Bacchus oil field in the Central North Sea, the Satah al-Razboot offshore oilfield in Abu Dhabi, and the West Don oil field in the North Sea were all developed by Petrofac.
Who is the biggest offshore drilling company?
Transocean Ltd. is the largest offshore drilling contractor in the world, generating about $2.8 billion in revenue.
The company is specialized in ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, with a key presence in the Gulf of America, Brazil, and the North Sea.
By fleet size, Valaris plc leads the list with the largest number of offshore oil rigs, amounting to 53 units as of April 2024.
Besides, COSL has operated the largest fleet and remains a leading contractor with 67 units of offshore rig supply.
All the above-mentioned rankings based on different aspects, such as revenue, size of fleet, and market leadership.
The others include Schlumberger and Halliburton-both offer major oilfield service business for any kind of drilling offshore.
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What is the salary outlook for offshore drilling companies?
The current boom in the offshore drilling industry, which is expected to continue well into early 2025, affects salaries for the different positions quite positively.
A general average for offshore oil drilling jobs in the United States comes to about $41.47 per hour, or $86,248 yearly.
Some job titles, such as Roughneck Offshore Drilling Rig workers, have an average salary of $79,949 per year, and their compensation can go even higher with bonuses.
The sector is also growing; the offshore drilling market is projected to grow from $33.53 billion in 2024 to $36.43 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 8.6%.
This indicates that the prospects for salary in the offshore drilling companies are on the upside.
Top Offshore drilling equipment manufacturers
Here are some of the top offshore drilling equipment manufacturers globally — companies known for producing rigs, subsea systems, and drilling components used in offshore oil and gas exploration:
- Transocean Deepwater Titan
Built by Transocean, this ultra-deepwater drillship represents the company’s expertise in offshore drilling rigs and advanced well-control systems. - Valaris DS-16
Operated by Valaris, this drillship reflects the company’s high-spec offshore drilling fleet used worldwide for deepwater exploration. - NOV TDS-11SA Top Drive
Produced by National Oilwell Varco (NOV), this top drive system is widely used on offshore rigs to enhance drilling efficiency and safety. - Seadrill West Saturn
A sixth-generation drillship operated by Seadrill, showcasing cutting-edge dynamic positioning and ultra-deepwater drilling technology. - Baker Hughes BOP Stack
Baker Hughes manufactures subsea blowout preventer (BOP) stacks essential for well control during offshore drilling operations.
Top 10 oil and gas Recruitment Agencies
Here are 10 of the top oil and gas recruitment agencies globally, well known for sourcing skilled professionals for drilling companies, offshore oil and gas companies, and engineering contractors:
- NES Fircroft
One of the largest oil and gas recruitment agencies worldwide, providing staffing for drilling contractors, subsea projects, and offshore companies. - Airswift
A global workforce solutions provider specializing in offshore oil and gas companies, offering recruitment, relocation, and contractor management. - Brunel Energy
Supplies technical and engineering professionals to oil and gas drilling companies, including offshore drilling rig companies and drilling contractors. - Petroplan
Focused exclusively on oil and gas recruitment, sourcing talent for oilfield drilling companies and drilling engineering companies. - Spencer Ogden
Recruits for offshore construction companies and deepwater oil drilling companies, covering roles from rig engineers to subsea specialists. - Fircroft (part of NES now)
Historically specialized in drilling rig companies and offshore oil and gas companies worldwide. - Orion Group
Offers staffing for oil well drilling companies, drilling services companies, and offshore engineering companies. - SGF Global
Provides workforce for international drilling companies and natural gas drilling companies across the Americas. - Energy Resourcing
Delivers recruitment for offshore drilling contractors and oil & gas drilling companies in the USA and beyond. - Atlas Professionals
Specializes in offshore drilling services, placing staff on drilling ships, rigs, and subsea drilling companies.
FAQs
What services do offshore drilling companies provide?
Their services encompass exploration, drilling, and production operations, often involving advanced technologies to access reserves located in deepwater and ultra-deepwater environments.
What are the environmental concerns associated with offshore drilling?
Environmental concerns include the risk of oil spills, which can devastate marine ecosystems, and the routine discharge of waste materials such as drilling muds and cuttings.
How do offshore drilling companies ensure safety during operations?
Companies implement comprehensive safety protocols, including regular equipment inspections, employee training programs, and adherence to industry regulations.
Conclusion
To put it briefly, offshore drilling companies have incorporated the expansion of the petroleum sector.
For water-based operations, the offshore drilling companies supply important rig parts and equipment.
Therefore, use the list of top 15 offshore drilling companies stated above if you are looking for trustworthy and top tier drilling company in the US that provide innovative and dependable career positions.
