ONE of the world's fastest growing international offshore drilling contractors is giving a talk to business leaders near Durham next week.

Seadrill, based in Northumberland, will outline its projects at a talk on developments in the global oil and gas drilling market.

The Blythe company operates 35 drilling units, 15 of which are under construction, along with a fleet of harsh-environment semi-submersibles, shallow and deepwater tender rigs and deepwater drillships. The event has been organised by NOF Energy, the Washington-based business development agency for the oil, gas and related energy sector, and will include lunch and an exhibition.

Steve Robertson, assistant director of Canterbury-based Douglas Westwood Ltd, will also be giving a presentation on the global drilling market.

The event will take place at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, on Thursday, from 11.45am.