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. This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Seadrill Limited via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1629140]