The vessels, due for delivery between mid-to-end 2015, will have a hook load capability of 1,250 tones, and will be capable of operating in water up to 12,000 ft deep. The rigs will be operated in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and West and East Africa.
The new orders bring Seadrill’s construction programme to 22 units, including 9 drillships, 2 harsh environment semi-subs, and 11 jack-ups, as well as fixed price options for two ultra-deepwater rigs. The company’s orderbook stands at 39 units, amounting to $19bn.
Seadrill’s board has announced that utilisation of ultra-deepwater rigs has remained 100% since the company was established in 2005.
“We have been able to use the current weakness in the shipbuilding industry to order drilling units at very attractive price levels,” said John Fredriksen, chairman of Seadrill Limited. “At the same time we are securing future growth by continuing to build a homogenous fleet with all the operational benefits which come from fleet standardisation. Through this latest newbuild order Seadrill remains uniquely positioned as a high growth - high dividend stock."
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