SDRL - Seadrill receives $4 billion commitment for 19 rig years on three ultra-deepwater units
Hamilton, Bermuda, July 25, 2012 - Seadrill has received a commitment from a
major oil company for new contracts on newbuild drillships West Auriga, West
Vela and a third drilling unit currently in operation, which will be named
later. The combined 3 rig package involves 19 rig years and a potential contract
value of US$4 billion, including mobilization fees for the newbuild units.
West Auriga and West Vela are currently under construction at Samsung Shipyard
in Korea. The newbuild units will commence transits to the Gulf of Mexico upon
delivery from the yard, scheduled for late February and May 2013. Start-up of
operations are scheduled for September and December 2013. The West Auriga and
West Vela are the fourth and fifth drillships delivered to Seadrill by Samsung
in the last 4 years. Each rig will be equipped with 1250 ton load capacity, an
active heave compensated subsea construction crane and two 7 ram blow out
preventers.
Alf C Thorkildsen, Chief Executive Officer in Seadrill Management AS, says, "The
breadth and depth of this commitment from a major oil company is the result of
our track record of delivering rigs on time, operating with a competent
workforce and having the availability of a modern fleet. We are excited about
the opportunity to further  grow our fleet and operations in the US Gulf of
Mexico, which we consider as one of the most cost effective drilling regions.
 In addition, the term of the contracts  fits well with Seadrill financing plans
including the potential use of MLP financing.
Media Contact:
Alf C Thorkildsen
Chief Executive Officer
Seadrill Management AS
+47 51 30 99 19
Analyst Contact:
Ragnvald Kavli
Investor Relations
Seadrill Management AS
+47 51 30 96 27
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
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Source: Seadrill Limited via Thomson Reuters ONE
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