US offshore driller Diamond Offshore Drilling has received notification from BP that it will not terminate a contract for Diamond semi-submersible rig Ocean GreatWhite .

The reassurance from BP comes on the back of its announcement to abandon drilling plans in Australia’s Great Australian Bight after delays in government approvals for the plan caused by wide environmental concern.

BP signed the contract for the rig in 2013 for use in the Great Australian Bight campaign, but now that it has abandoned its plans it is looking for other short-to-medium term projects.

Both companies are working together to find alternative locations to utilise Ocean GreatWhite, which is currently located is Singapore waters.