John Fredriksen's Seadrill Limited has signed a contract with Chevron China Energy Company for the under-construction ultra-deepwater drillship West Tellus in support of Chevron's affiliated global exploration program. The contract commences in China immediately upon shipyard delivery and thereafter relocates to Liberia. The agreement is for a period of 180 days with revenue potential of approximately $150 million inclusive of bonus potential and mobilization.
Additionally, Seadrill is currently engaged in advanced discussions with a major oil company for a multi-year contract commencing in direct continuation of the Chevron contract.
The West Tellus is a sixth generation drillship currently under construction for Seadrill at Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, with expected delivery in September 2013. The rig will be outfitted to work in up to 10,000 ft of water and is capable of water depths up to 12,000 ft and drilling depths up to 37,000 ft.
"The multi jurisdiction contract for West Tellus demonstrates our willingness and ability to contract opportunistically and strategically when it is justified," said Per Wullf, CEO and President of Seadrill Management Ltd. "The initial contract on West Tellus allows us to expand a long standing relationship with a key customer in the ultra-deepwater segment while also providing Seadrill the opportunity to place the West Tellus in West Africa, ready for a follow on contract."