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"Our drilling and manufacturing busi- nesses continue to reach new heights and our near-term outlook remains very favorable," said Danny McNease, Chairman and CEO. "Our drilling fleet is effectively fully utilized and our back- log of contracts continues to grow. Nine of our 20 offshore rigs currently have commitments that extend into 2007 or beyond, and we are aggressively pursu- ing additional long-term drilling assign- ments at favorable rates. Rowan's aver- age offshore day rate worldwide is cur- rently around $134,000 or more than 28 percent higher than our average during the fourth quarter. Absent a significant change in market fundamentals, we believe that the global competition for quality rigs will intensify in 2006 and that the upward pressure on day rates will continue." BP Selects Telenor for Global Communications Telenor Satellite Services signed a three-year communications agreement with British Petroleum (BP) for global broadband services over satellite. The two-part agreement, including Telenor land-based and Sealink at-sea broad- band communications services, is one of the largest of its kind in terms of num- bers of sites, vessels and systems includ- ed. The contract establishes the terms and conditions for upgrading the com- munications systems of ships and pro- duction facilities, as determined by BP, and has the potential of providing cost- efficient and highly reliable very small aperture terminal (VSAT) equipment and services to BP's entire fleet, which will surpass 80 deep sea vessels by the end of 2006, and several offshore rigs and land-based production facilities. Approximately 20 vessels are slated to have Telenor's Sealink services by the end of 2006. The pact with Telenor is part of BP's modernization and fleet expansion program. As part of this pro- gram, BP is providing all of the compa- ny's vessels and production facilities with state-of-the-art, always-on voice and data communications for business operations as well as for crew morale and welfare. Incorporating a variety of global satellite communications tech- nologies, satellite systems, and commer- cially available equipment, Telenor will deliver a wide range of broadband solu- tions that operate using fixed installa- tion and transportable very small aper- ture terminal (VSAT) equipment for BP's ships and facilities at speeds up to 2 megabits per second and beyond. Telenor will use its teleport facilities in Norway and the U.S. to support this global communications agreement with British Petroleum. Kongsberg Wins Offshore Contracts Kongsberg Maritime won a contract to deliver integrated control systems for safety and automation to the floating production vessel being used to operate BP Norge's Skarv and Idun fields on the Haltenbanken. The field is scheduled to come online in 2010 for oil and gas pro- duction. The contract initially covers a FEED (Front End Engineering and Design) study conducted jointly with BP Norge and Aker Kværner, where Kongsberg Maritime will be responsible for the safety and automation systems (SAS). The study is part of the material to be submitted for final approval by the authorities in spring 2007. Kongsberg contract will potentially have a duration of five years. April 2006 31 Circle 231 on Reader Service Card Trust PowerCut ® for Exceptional Cutting Value and Reliability. When customers asked for a rugged, portable, powerful solution for manual plasma cutting, ESAB delivered with the PowerCut line. PowerCut comes out of the box ready to go with torch and power cord attached and filter/regulator installed. The long-life torch combines high performance with a simple design to yield better production rates and lower consumable costs – as much as half the cost of competitive equipment. Portable, durable and powerful, PowerCut is the quality choice for rental fleet and construction site uses. A trusted partner of industry for 100 years, ESAB backs its products with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Ask for ESAB by name. Great things happen when you put us to work. 1.800.ESAB.123 www.esabna.com WELDING | CUTTING | FILLER METALS Product of choice for plasma cutting. toll free at 1-800-ESAB-123 or online at www.esabna.com. Powerful Oxyfuel Cutting Package Takes on the Tough Jobs The PUROX ® E Master Outfit is the powerful choice for oxyfuel cutting. With a stan- dard cutting range of up to four inches (102mm) and optional head and nozzles available to increase that range to 12 inches (305mm), PUROX serves the needs of contractors, scrap burners, steel fabricators, structural iron workers, foundry workers and other industrial users. In addition to normal cutting operations, PUROX can also be used for pad washing, rivet cutting, gouging or grooving, piercing and heating, and specialized applications. A complete outfit includes torches, tips and regulators; all made in the United States. Items can also be purchased individually. For more information, contact us toll free at 1-800-ESAB-123 or online at www.esabna.com. ESAB Backs Products With 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ESAB Welding and Cutting Products has been a leader in the welding and cutting industry for more than 100 years and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals. To demonstrate the confidence ESAB has in its welding and cutting products, the company backs these products with an exclusive 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Service and support starts from the moment the order is confirmed, with an expanded service organization to ensure that customers are completely satisfied with their ESAB product. Spare and consumable parts are manufactured according to ESAB’s quality plan. Product and process training for end users is offered as part of a total ESAB package. The 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is evidence of ESAB’s commitment to total customer satisfaction and support. Talk to your local ESAB representative or call 800-ESAB-123 for more information. Versatile Oxweld ® Kit Serves Welding and Cutting Applications The OXWELD Trade Master Outfit combines superior welding and cutting components to create a versatile tool for craftsmen, contractors, general shops, maintenance, field applications, and trade schools. A favorite of journeyman users, OXWELD welds up to 3 /8 inch (10mm) and cuts up to 1 1 /2 inch (38mm) standard, with optional equipment available to extend the welding range to one inch (25mm) and cutting to eight inches (203mm). Standard outfits include torch, cutting attachment, cutting tip, welding heads, heating head, and regulators for oxygen and acetylene. Look for the complete kit at your local distributor today. For more information, contact us Durable, weather resistant case for outdoor use Highest speeds and thickness capabilities in its price class Lowest cost per foot of cut in its price class Quality built for trouble-free performance UIforward UIforward UIforward UIforward ADVERTORIAL Offshore Annual MR APRIL2006 #4 (25-32).qxd 4/3/2006 1:42 PM Page 31
