courtesy Seadrill

Growing rig contractor Seadrill has raised NOK889 ($153 million) “targeted at further investments in deepwater newbuilds”, it was learned Wednesday.

The company reminded shareholders today of discussions with major yards for further new-build deepwater semi-submersibles. Seadrill said the market is still characterized by a “tightening yard slot situation and pressure on building prices”.

On Tuesday, Seadrill declared the West Aquarius had found three-year employment worth $570 million “with a major oil company”, and that just two of its high-spec, new-build semi-submersibles are available before 2010.

West Aquarius is under construction at the Daewoo Shipyard in South Korea and is scheduled for delivery at the end of third quarter 2008.