ExxonMobil Contract for Leiv Eiriksson

Ocean Rig announces that ExxonMobil has issued a letter of intent for a contract to employ the Leiv Eiriksson for an exploration well, plus an option well in direct continuation, for work offshore Angola, West Africa. The well is in Block 33, and is estimated to commence July 1st 2004 and each well is expected to be of about 45 days duration. Ocean Rig is currently in discussions related to a new contract in continuation of the ExxonMobil contract.