Atwood Oceanics Contract for GOM Drilling

Atwood Oceanics, Inc., (NYSE: ATW) a Houston-based International Drilling Contractor, announced that the Richmond has been awarded a contract by Helis Oil & Gas Company LLC being turnkey drilled by Applied Drilling Technology Inc. for one well in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, at a dayrate of $33,500. The drilling of this well is estimated to take 60 to 80 days to complete. Additional contract opportunities following the completion of the drilling of this one-well commitment in early to mid February 2010 are currently being pursued.