Empire Energy Corporation Intl. (fka EEGC)

[rigman]

Normally the biggest problem about bringing a rig from the US into Australia is compliance with Australian Standard AS300 - Electrical Standards. There are significant differences between the standards of the two countries (US is 110 volt and AUS is 240 volt) and unless a rig is built to the Australian Standard (which the Gefco rig probably was not) then it will have to be rewired before it can start drilling - this could take months.

In my experience normal timing for bringing a rig into Australia by an experienced contractor:
Mobilise rig from base to port: 2 weeks
Load rig and transport to Australia: 4 to 6 weeks
Offload rig and receive AQUIS clearance: 2 weeks
Move to location: 2 weeks
Rig up and inspect rig: 4 - 8 weeks

I would expect to take a lot longer for a company that is not familiar with Australian regulations