On February 13, 2025, ARO Drilling, a collaborative venture between Aramco and Valaris, partnered with International Maritime Industries (IMI) to announce the construction of a new jack-up drilling rig named Kingdom 3. This significant development marks the first time a drilling rig will be built within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, signifying a notable achievement for the nation’s maritime sector.
The commencement of construction was celebrated with a signing ceremony at the iktva Forum & Exhibition held in January 2025 at Dhahran Expo. The Kingdom 3 rig is positioned as a “historic milestone” for Saudi Arabia, particularly as it aims to enhance its offshore industry capabilities in alignment with the Vision 2030 initiative, which underscores the country’s commitment to economic diversification and fostering local industry.
This event also contributes to IMI’s strategic goal of becoming a global leader in offshore services, correlating with national objectives to bolster the maritime industry. The construction of Kingdom 3 is significant not only for its immediate operational benefits but also as part of a broader plan for ARO Drilling and IMI to build a total of 20 jack-up rigs in Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, CEO of IMI, emphasized the importance of this project in elevating local expertise and fostering a robust maritime sector within the country, demonstrating their commitment to advancing the technical capacity and operational standards in the region. Similarly, Mohamed Hegazi, CEO of ARO Drilling, highlighted the partnership’s role in delivering advanced offshore capabilities in Saudi Arabia, which reflects both companies’ dedication to operational excellence, technological innovation, and sustainable growth, all crucial elements of the Vision 2030 agenda.
Overall, the Kingdom 3 represents not only a significant step for ARO Drilling and IMI but also a broader shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to localizing maritime services and enhancing its logistical and operational competencies in the offshore sector.
