Update on ENSCO 7500 Construction Project

ENSCO International Incorporated announced construction of the ENSCO 7500 semisubmersible rig is progressing satisfactorily at the Friede Goldman Offshore, Orange, Texas shipyard. FGO estimates construction of the rig will be completed, and shipyard delivery will take place during October of 2000. This is in line with ENSCO's previously reported expectation the rig will commence its term contract for Burlington Resources during the fourth quarter of 2000. The Burlington contract is expected to generate revenue of approximately $190 million during the three-year primary term. In a related development, Burlington ? while reconfirming their commitment under the ENSCO 7500 drilling contract ? and ENSCO have agreed to work together to sublet the rig to third parties if spare rig capacity is available during the primary term of the contract. The ENSCO 7500 is a dynamically positioned semisubmersible rig capable of drilling in 8000 ft. of water. The rig is an ENSCO proprietary design intended for work in the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Brazil, West Africa or Asia.