Ultra-deepwater drillships ordered for delivery in 2013

The first two drillships are firmly ordered with delivery in the first and second quarter 2013, respectively. Total project price per rig is estimated by Seadrill to be less than US$600 million, which includes a turnkey contract with the yard, project management, drilling and handling tools, spares, capitalized interest and operations preparations. The contract further includes a fixed price option for further two drillships to be declared during the first quarter 2011.

The dual derrick drillships are stated to be of an improved design compared to the three previous drillships Seadrill has taken delivery of from Samsung, with further enhanced capacity related to water depth, technical capabilities as well as increased accommodation capacity. The new dynamic positioning drillships will be capable of operations in water depths up to 12,000 feet and with a hook load capability of 1,250 tons especially targeting operations in challenging areas such as the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and West Africa. The drillships will be the first newbuilds to be outfitted with seven ram configuration of the BOP (Blow Out Preventer) stack.  

The decision to add another two ultra-deepwater newbuilds to the existing fleet is based on the continued strength of the offshore drilling market, the return that these investments are expected to deliver and the financial flexibility generated by the Company's contract backlog. The order of new drillships is considered financial superior to other alternative investments.