Third Ultra-Deepwater Semisubmersible in Fleet and the Second of the
ENSCO 8500 Series®
Ensco International Incorporated (NYSE: ESV) announced that a subsidiary
of the Company has taken delivery of ENSCO 8501, the second of the
Company’s seven ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs being constructed
by Keppel FELS Limited in Singapore. The rig will soon commence an
expected 50-day mobilization to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, where it will
undergo deepwater sea trials and final outfitting prior to its three and
a half year term drilling contract with a subsidiary of Nexen and Noble
Energy. Drilling operations are expected to commence in mid-October 2009.
Dan Rabun, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented,
"Delivery of our second ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rig in the ENSCO
8500 Series® is an important milestone in our deepwater
expansion program. We anticipate a smooth startup of operations
following final outfitting, sea trials and deep water acceptance testing
once ENSCO 8501 arrives in the Gulf of Mexico. Our other five
ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles under construction are progressing on
schedule."
Combined with the ENSCO 7500 ultra-deepwater semisubmersible drilling
rig currently contracted to Chevron in Australia, the fleet of seven
ENSCO 8500 Series® rigs will make Ensco a leader in
ultra-deepwater semisubmersible drilling rigs capable of operating in
water depths of 7500’ or more.
The proprietary design of the ENSCO 8500 Series® was
developed with extensive input from customers to address drilling
requirements of virtually every deep water field around the world. Rated
for work in 8,500’ waters, Ensco’s new ultra-deepwater semisubmersible
rigs may be modified to drill and complete wells in water depths up to
10,000’. The universal design of the ENSCO 8500 Series® rigs streamlines
operational functionality, training, spare part requirements, repairs
and maintenance to control costs and enhance the overall reliability of
rig operations.
Ensco International (NYSE:ESV) brings energy to the world as a global
provider of offshore drilling services to the petroleum industry. With a
fleet of ultra-deepwater semisubmersible and premium jackup drilling
rigs, Ensco serves customers with high-quality equipment, a well-trained
workforce and a strong record of safety and reliability.
