Transocean gets Indonesian drilling contract from Eni

US drilling firm Transocean Inc. announced Wednesday that a subsidiary of Italian oil firm Eni SpA has awarded an estimated six-month contract for its semi-submersible rig Transocean Legend for drilling operations offshore Indonesia.

The contract is expected to commence in November 2006, following the completion of an existing contract commitment offshore Sakhalin Island.

The company said revenues that could be generated over the estimated six-month contract period total an approximated $79 million, excluding revenues for mobilization, demobilization and client reimburseables.

The company did not say the exact drilling location.

Eni has stake in several blocks in Indonesia, including Sanga-Sanga PSC gas producing block, in which Eni holds a 37.81% interest. Eni?s exploration activities in Indonesia focus on the deep offshore of East Kalimantan. Eni participates in 8 exploration permits (Ganal, Rapak, Popodi, Papalang, Muara, Bakau, Ambalat and Bukat), with interests ranging from 20% to 50%. Eni also holds a 100% interest in the Bulungan Block, in the Tarakan basin. (alex)