The 36-month contract will begin in the first quarter of 2011, upon the expiry of the present contract, which is also being carried out on behalf of the same Client.

Scarabeo 5, a fourth-generation semi-submersible rig capable of operating in water depths of up to 2,000 meters and drilling to depths of up to 9,000 meters, has been working continuously since 1990 in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, one of the most demanding areas due to strict environmental regulations and harsh weather conditions.

The second contract, awarded to Saipem by Total S.A, is for the charter of the jack-up Perro Negro 2 for drilling activities in the waters of UAE, for a period of six months starting in the first quarter of 2010. The contract also includes two 3-months options to be exercised by the client.

Perro Negro 2 is a jack-up rig capable of operating in water depths of up to 92 meters and drilling to depths of up to 6,400 meters.