Seadrill in $1.2bn rig orders at Samsung

Seoul: Seadrill has ordered a pair of ultra-deepwater drillships rigs for $1.2bn at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) with options for two more. The first two rigs, priced at $600m each, are due for delivery in the first and second quarters of 2013. The contract further includes a fixed price option for further two drillships to be declared during the first quarter 2011. "These orders confirm our positive view on the market outlook as well as our good experience with this design and the Samsung yard," said Alf C Thorkildsen, ceo of Seadrill. [11/11/10]