Atwood Oceanics has reported that one of its subsidiaries has been awarded a drilling services contract by a subsidiary of Noble Energy Inc. for the Atwood Hunter (deepwater semisub) for three firm wells with a minimum total duration of 150 days plus one option well.

The first well will be in a tax-free location in Cameroon at a dayrate of approximately $364,000, while the second and third wells will be in Equatorial Guinea at a dayrate of approximately $388,000. One priced option well has been provided which will be located in either Equatorial Guinea or Cameroon; this option well will be at the applicable rate and must be exercised prior to the spud of the second well.

If the total program, inclusive of the option well, exceeds 155 days, then beginning on the 156th day the dayrate will increase to approximately $408,000 plus applicable corporate income tax.

Tags: Atwood Oceanics