Seadrill Inks Turnkey Contracts To Build 4 New Ultra-deepwater Drillships

(RTTNews) - Seadrill Limited (SDRL.L) Monday said it has entered into turnkey contracts to build four new ultra-deepwater drillships. The project value price is estimated to be below $600 million per unit.

Two drillships will be built at the DSME yard and the other two at the Samsung yard, in South Korea. Delivery of the four units is scheduled for the second half 2015.

Additionally, Seadrill has received fixed priced options for delivery of two further units for delivery in the first half 2016.

The drillships will have a hook load capability of 1,250 tons and a water depth capacity of up to 12,000 feet, targeting operations in areas like the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and West and East Africa.

Seadrill's construction program now totals 22 units, including 9 drillships, 2 harsh environment semi-submersibles, and 11 high specification jack-ups. The company has also fixed priced options for two ultra-deepwater units.