North Atlantic Drilling secured a contract extension with ExxonMobil for West Alpha, a harsh environment semisubmersible drilling unit.

The extension is for two years with an estimated revenue value of $410 million. Commencement of operations under the contract extension is expected in the third quarter of 2014, in direct continuation of the next assignment for West Alpha on the Balder field.

Consequently, West Alpha has secured firm contracts that will keep the rig employed to third quarter 2016.

The customer has an option to extend the contract with one additional year at the same terms as for the first two years.