ABB, the leading innovator in podded propulsion systems, has struck a landmark deal to supply its new compact podded propulsion system on a semi-submersible drilling rig. Santa Fe International Corp. has awarded a $42 million contract to ABB in Norway for the supply of electric propulsion systems and power plants to two new semi-submersible drilling rigs. In addition, the contract includes an option for a further two rigs. The two new deepwater rigs, of Friede & Goldman ExD design, will be built by PPL Shipyard PTE Ltd. of Singapore with delivery of the first rig scheduled for late 2003. ABB's delivery to each rig includes a complete package solution consisting of generators…