Atwood Delays Drillship duo by Two Years
Atwood Oceanics, Inc. announced today that it has agreed with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. ("DSME") to delay the requirement to take delivery of Atwood's two newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships, the Atwood Admiral and the Atwood Archer, by two years to September 30, 2019 and June 30, 2020, respectively. In connection with the delay, Atwood will make a payment of $125 million for the Atwood Archer on or before December 15, 2016, as well as a payment of $15 million on the earlier of June 30, 2018 or the delivery date. In respect of the Atwood Admiral, Atwood will make a payment of $10 million on the earlier of September 30, 2017 or the delivery date.
DSME Delivers Vessel to Atwood Oceans
Atwood Oceanics, Inc. announced today the delivery of the Atwood Advantage from the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME) shipyard in South Korea. The Atwood Advantage has departed the DSME shipyard and commenced its drilling services contract with Noble Energy, Inc. Following its mobilization to the U. S. Gulf of Mexico, the Atwood Advantage will conduct a three year drilling program with Noble Energy. Rob Saltiel, Atwood Oceanics President and CEO, commented, "We are very pleased to take delivery of the Atwood Advantage, the first of four 'A-Class' ultra-deepwater drillships that we are building at the DSME shipyard in South Korea. Atwood Oceanics, Inc.
Atwood Oceanics Orders Third Ultra-Deepwater Drillship
The Atwood Admiral is expected to be delivered by March 31, 2015 at a total cost, including two blowout preventers ("BOPs"), project management, drilling and handling tools and spares, of approximately $635 million. The design of the Atwood Admiral will be identical to the previously ordered Atwood Advantage and Atwood Achiever – all three are DP-3 dynamically-positioned, dual derrick ultra-deepwater drillships rated to operate in water depths up to 12,000 feet and drill to a depth of up to 40,000 feet.
ABS Elects New Council
At the 150th Annual Meeting of the Members of ABS, three industry leaders were elected to the ABS Council. Following the Annual Meeting, the ABS Council met and elected industry leaders to both its Marine and Offshore Technical Committees. Individuals serving on the ABS Council and the Technical Committees help guide the class society in fulfilling its mission of promoting the security of life, property and the natural environment. “Classification represents the concept of self-regulation for the marine and offshore industry,” said ABS President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki.
Transocean Senior Management Changes
Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) announced that Rob Saltiel, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity. Steven Newman, President, will assume the duties of Chief Operating Officer while the company considers alternatives. Previously, the company announced that Newman will become Chief Executive Officer in early 2010 when Bob Long plans to retire as CEO.
Saltiel Named Transocean Executive VP, COO
Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) announced the following appointment within its senior management team, effective Dec. 1, 2009: Rob Saltiel, currently Executive Vice President, Performance, will become Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Steven Newman, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will remain President until he becomes Chief Executive Officer in early 2010 when Bob Long plans to retire as CEO.
