Chiles Offshore Signs Contracts With Shell

Chiles Offshore has executed two firm nine-month contract extensions with Shell Exploration & Production Company for the use of the ultra-premium jackup drilling rigs the Chiles Magellan and the Chiles Columbus in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The Chiles Magellan has worked for Shell since May 2000 on a well-to-well basis and will start its nine-month contract period at the beginning of August 2001. The Chiles Columbus recently began working for Shell and will start its nine-month contract period at the beginning of September 2001. "We are pleased to extend our excellent working relationship with Shell, which began over one year ago with the Chiles Magellan and now also includes the Chiles Columbus. Both of these rigs are of the LeTourneau Super 116 design and incorporate new 'state-of-the-art' technologies such as large mud pumping capacity, extended reach cantilever, large drilling fluid storage capacities, and digital drilling controls," said William Chiles, President and Chief Executive Officer.