UAE-based engineering group Lamprell has agreed a $333.3m deal to build two jackup rigs for Abu Dhabi’s National Drilling Company (NDC).

Lamprell will build the rigs at its Hamriyah operations in Sharjah and has set delivery dates for the fourth quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015.

NDC already has four rigs under construction at Lamprell’s yard. All the rigs are self-elevating mobile offshore drilling platforms of a Super 16E (Enhanced) Class design.

Lamprell says it has secured $62m in jackup rig upgrade and refurbishment projects during the first quarter of 2012. Contracts were signed with RDC Qatar and the Dubai office of Noble Drilling International.

Earlier this month, Lamprell chief executive officer Nigel McCue said increased oil and gas activity in Saudi Arabia and the UAE was driving a resurgence in the market for new-build jackup rigs.