Ensco International Incorporated says that a subsidiary of the Company has taken delivery of ENSCO 8500, the first of the Company's seven ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs being constructed by Keppel FELS Limited in Singapore.

The rig has commenced an expected 90-day mobilization to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, where it will undergo deepwater sea trials and final outfitting prior to its four-year drilling contract with Anadarko and Eni expected to commence in February 2009.

Dan Rabun, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Delivery of our first ultra-deepwater rig in the ENSCO 8500 Series(R) is an important milestone in our deepwater expansion program. This summer, we opened our deepwater business unit office in Houston and filled several key senior operating and marketing positions as part of our growing deepwater commitment. We are aggressively expanding our presence in this important market, and we anticipate that approximately one-third of our revenue will be derived from deepwater operations by 2012, when all seven 8500 Series rigs are expected to be fully operational."

The ENSCO 8500 Series(R) deepwater semisubmersibles are based upon an ENSCO proprietary design. Features include 8,500' water depth capability, a two million pound quad derrick, offline pipe handling capability, automatic station keeping ability, and 150-man living quarters. With these capabilities and features, the 8500 Series rigs will be especially well-suited for deepwater development drilling.

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