Smedvig Gets Drilling Contract

Unocal Thailand Ltd. has issued a letter of intent to Smedvig Asia Ltd. for the assignment of the self-erecting tender rig T-4. The production drilling assignment has a duration of five years, and the contract value is estimated at approximately $73 million. The contract includes an incentive arrangement that could increase the contract value. The proposed contract includes early termination provisions after three years against payment of an early termination fee. T-4 is currently working under a drilling contract for Unocal Thailand until mid-December 2002. Thereafter the rig is scheduled for a four months extensive upgrading and classification survey, before it starts up under the new contract in April 2003.

The upgrade represents a major improvement of the T-4 capabilities and includes widening of the barge, installation of new heavy lift cranes and new derrick for off line activities. The upgrading costs are estimated at approximately $21 million.