Rowan Provides Fleet Contract Status Update

HOUSTON, July 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Rowan Companies plc ("Rowan" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDC) announced today that its monthly report of drilling rig status and contract information has been updated as of July 18, 2013.  The report titled "Monthly Fleet Status Report," can be found on the Company's website www.rowancompanies.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120827/DA62568LOGO)

Notable events in the current report include:

• Gorilla V:  Awarded two year extension with Total in the UK sector of the North Sea commencing late June 2013 at $274,000 per day (above previous day rate of $205,000).
• EXL III:  Awarded a one well contract estimated at 60 days with McMoRan in the Gulf of Mexico at $160,000 per day (no change from previous day rate). 
• Hank Boswell:  Previously scheduled 92 days out of service project for customer-required equipment upgrades is planned to start in July 2014 instead of October 2013. 
• Bob Keller: 
  • Rig is expected to be off rate for 30 days in November 2013 for inspections. 
  • Previously scheduled out of service project for customer-required equipment upgrades is estimated for 60 days (previously 75 days) and is planned to start in the second half of 2014 instead of October 2013
• Scooter Yeargain:  Previously scheduled 75 days out of service project for customer-required equipment upgrades is planned to start in April 2014 instead of October 2013.
• Gorilla VII: 
  • Added 21 days off rate time in 3Q 2013 starting in mid-July 2013 for leg repairs. 
  • Previously scheduled 140 days out of service project for repairs, upgrades and inspections is planned to start the beginning of 1Q 2014 instead of mid-December 2013.

The Company will not realize any day rate revenue during periods of off rate time, and crew costs will be capitalized during rig modifications and/or upgrades.

Out of service days include shipyard stays and transit periods preceding contracts which are often compensated by a customer, but compensation is deferred and not included in current period earnings.  Out of service days also include shipyards stays and transit periods for inspection, maintenance and upgrades.  Out of service days do not include any operational downtime except for extraordinary events in the current quarter.  No operational downtime is included in projected out of service days, but the company expects operational downtime to account for approximately 2.5% of in service days in current and future quarters.

This summary is provided as a courtesy and is not intended to replace a detailed review of the Monthly Fleet Status Report.  While the Company has attempted to include items it believes are significant, we encourage you to review the Monthly Fleet Status Report in detail.

Rowan Companies plc is a major provider of international and domestic contract drilling services with a leading position in high-specification jack-up rigs.  The Company's fleet of 30 jack-up rigs is located worldwide, including the Middle East, the North Sea, Trinidad, Egypt, Southeast Asia and the Gulf of Mexico.  Rowan will enter the ultra-deepwater market with four high-specification drillships expected to be delivered starting in late 2013.  The Company's Class A Ordinary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RDC".  For more information on the Company, please visit www.rowancompanies.com.

Statements herein that are not historical facts are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements as to the expectations, beliefs and future expected business, financial performance and prospects of the Company.  These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to certain risks, assumptions, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include oil and natural gas prices, the level of offshore expenditures by energy companies, variations in energy demand, changes in day rates, cancellation by our customers of drilling contracts or letter agreements or letters of intent for drilling contracts or the exercise of early termination provisions, risks associated with fixed cost drilling operations, cost overruns or delays on shipyard repair or transportation of rigs, maintenance and repair costs, costs or delays for conversion or upgrade projects, operating hazards and equipment failure, risks of collision and damage, casualty losses and limitations on insurance coverage, customer credit and risk of customer bankruptcy, conditions in the general economy and energy industry, weather conditions and severe weather in the Company's operating areas, increasing complexity and costs of compliance with environmental and other laws and regulations, changes in tax laws and interpretations by taxing authorities, civil unrest and instability, terrorism and hostilities in our areas of operations that may result in loss or seizure of assets, the outcome of disputes and legal proceedings, effects of the change in our corporate structure, and other risks disclosed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE Rowan Companies plc