Seadrill has announced a significant win, securing a $498 million contract for its ultra-deepwater drillship West Tellus with Petrobras. This 1,095-day contract will see the West Tellus take on drilling operations in the Sépia and Atapu fields within Brazil’s pre-salt Santos Basin, starting in Q1 2026.
The agreement highlights Seadrill’s continued presence in the highly competitive deepwater drilling market. The deal includes an additional $41 million mobilization fee and provisions for up to 305 optional days, further underscoring the potential scope of this engagement.
Simon Johnson, Seadrill’s CEO, commented on the milestone:
“This contract, along with the West Jupiter award, deepens our relationship with Petrobras and bolsters our position in the deepwater market, adding approximately $1 billion to our backlog and significant earnings growth starting in 2026.”
The West Tellus will spearhead operations in the prolific Sépia and Atapu fields, contributing to Brazil’s growing prominence as a global oil and gas powerhouse within the Golden Triangle. This achievement further cements Seadrill’s reputation for operational excellence in ultra-deepwater environments.
With this contract, Seadrill strengthens its order backlog and sets the stage for substantial earnings growth, making this a pivotal moment for the company’s future. Safe operations to all involved in this landmark project.
