Rowan Companies plc has announced that the Rowan Gorilla VII, a Super Gorilla Class ultra-harsh environment jack-up rig, has been awarded an 18-month program by Chrysaor in the UK sector of the North Sea. 

The contract is expected to commence imminently for 18 months of work followed by two, one-year options. The Gorilla VII has recently undergone significant life enhancements including a new top drive, and upgrades to the BOP and drilling controls.

Tom Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Rowan's solid position in the harsh environment North Sea jack-up region is further strengthened by this commitment from Chrysaor.  We look forward to delivering safe and reliable operations to our new customer." 

Rowan is a global provider of contract drilling services with a fleet of 27 mobile offshore drilling units, composed of 23 self-elevating jack-up rigs and four ultra-deepwater drillships. The Company's fleet operates worldwide, including the United States Gulf of Mexico, the United Kingdom and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea, the Middle East, and Trinidad. Additionally, the Company is a 50/50 partner in a joint venture with Saudi Aramco, entitled ARO Drilling, that owns a fleet of five self-elevating jack-up rigs that operate in the Arabian Gulf. The Company's Class A Ordinary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RDC."