Green energy markets could provide a new lease of life for drilling rigs left surplus to requirement by the ­collapse in the oil and gas industry, analysis shows.

“In 2021, we have noted multiple instances of rigs being repurposed for activities outside of oil and gas,” UOB Kay Hian head of research Adrian Loh said.

The Singapore-based analyst suggested up to 22 drillships or rigs have been repurposed this year.