Transocean Ltd. Announces $193 Million Ultra-Deepwater Drillship Contract
Transocean (NYSE: RIG) has secured a significant contract for its ultra-deepwater drillship, the Deepwater Conqueror. The one-year agreement, valued at approximately $193 million, is set to commence in October 2025 in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. This contract, signed with an undisclosed operator, includes additional services and will contribute substantially to Transocean's backlog.
The announcement, made on October 17, 2024, represents a notable development for Transocean's operations in the deepwater drilling sector. This contract underscores the continued demand for ultra-deepwater drilling services in the Gulf of Mexico region and potentially signals positive momentum for Transocean's business prospects in the coming years.
- Secured a $193 million contract for the Deepwater Conqueror drillship
- One-year contract duration provides stable revenue stream
- Contract includes additional services, potentially increasing overall value
- Strengthens Transocean's position in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico market
- Contract commencement not until October 2025, indicating potential idle time for the drillship
Insights
This contract represents a significant win for Transocean, adding
The contract's value implies a day rate of approximately
For investors, this news underscores Transocean's ability to secure work for its advanced fleet, potentially signaling an upturn in the offshore drilling cycle. However, it's important to note that the contract doesn't start until October 2025, leaving a gap to be filled in the near term. The stock may see a positive reaction, but the long-term impact will depend on Transocean's ability to secure additional contracts and manage costs effectively until the contract commences.
This contract award signals a potential resurgence in ultra-deepwater drilling activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The willingness of operators to commit to long-term contracts suggests growing confidence in offshore oil and gas projects, likely driven by stable oil prices and improved project economics.
The undisclosed nature of the operator adds an element of intrigue, but it's likely a major player given the high-spec vessel and contract value. This could indicate that larger oil companies are ramping up their offshore exploration and production plans, which could have positive implications for the entire offshore services sector.
Investors should watch for similar contract announcements from Transocean's competitors, as this could be part of a broader trend. If more ultra-deepwater contracts are awarded, it could lead to tightening rig supply and potentially higher day rates in the future. However, the delayed start date of October 2025 suggests that immediate market conditions remain competitive, with operators still able to secure favorable terms for future work.
STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (“Transocean”) today announced a one-year contract for the Deepwater Conqueror with an undisclosed operator in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The contract is expected to commence in October 2025 and contribute approximately
About Transocean
Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.
Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 34 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 26 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as "possible," "intend," "will," "if," "expect," or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are beyond our control, and in many cases, cannot be predicted. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, the cost and timing of mobilizations and reactivations, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the company's other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the company’s website at: www.deepwater.com.
This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean.
Analyst Contact:
Alison Johnson
+1 713-232-7214
Media Contact:
Pam Easton
+1 713-232-7647
FAQ
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