SMEDVIG SECURES CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR WEST MENANG

12-27-2005

Smedvig has been awarded a contract by Total Congo www.total.com  to extend the production drilling contract for the self-erecting semi-tender rig West Menang. The contract extension includes the drilling of seven extended reach wells and has an estimated duration of approximately two years.

 The estimated contract value is approximately US $61 million. Commencement is scheduled to be in February 2006 in direct continuation of the existing contract. In addition, Total Congo has an option to further extend the contract by six months at mutually agreed terms. West Menang is currently operating offshore Congo, West Africa.