Pacific Drilling Secures 1 Year Contract for Pacific Scirocco Drillship in Nigeria

Pacific Drilling S.A. announced  that a Letter of Award from Total E&P Nigeria Limited has been converted to a definitive contract for the Pacific Scirocco following the necessary approvals from authorities. The minimum duration of the contract is for an initial one-year term, with contract commencement expected during the third quarter of 2011.

The contract provides for options, to be exercised at the client’s discretion, which could result in up to four additional years of contract term with an escalating dayrate dependent upon the option timing and term elected. Estimated maximum contract revenues related to the initial one-year term are expected to be approximately $200 million, excluding client requested modifications and miscellaneous adjustments.

“We are very pleased to announce a new core relationship with Total, a leading deepwater operator, consistent with our vision to work with the best in the industry,” commented Pacific Drilling CEO Chris Beckett in May.

“This represents Pacific Drilling’s third commitment from a major oil company, including the two previously announced contracts for the Pacific Santa Ana and the Pacific Bora both contracted to Chevron in the Gulf of Mexico and Nigeria respectively.”

The Pacific Scirocco is capable of operating in water depths of up to 12,000 feet and drilling wells 40,000 feet deep.

With its best-in-class drillships and highly experienced team, Pacific Drilling is a fast growing company that is dedicated to becoming the preferred ultra-deepwater drilling contractor. In addition to three ultra-deepwater drillships delivered to date, Pacific Drilling expects delivery of an additional drillship in August 2011 and has two drillships on order at Samsung for delivery during 2013.

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Source:Pacific Drilling , July 12, 2011;