[LEFT]3:29 (Dow Jones) Daily rates for ultra-deepwater rigs have increased to $550k-$575k range, up from recent levels around $525k-$550k, and post-Macondo levels of $400k-$450k, Barclays Capital says. “We think rates could hit or even surpass $600k in the near term,” firm says. Ensco (ESV) recently announced a letter of interest with an unnamed operator for its DS-6 drillship at a dayrate around $550k beginning in 4Q12, Barclays says.
- Isabel Ordonez, Dow Jones & Company[/LEFT]