TheNasdaq-quoted contractor says the $112m deal between the Eirik Raude (built 2002) and unnamed oil major fordrilling offshore Ireland is set to commence in the second quarter of 2013.

When Ocean Rig first landed a letter ofintent, the one-well programme was scheduled to start in the first quarter uponconclusion of a contract in West Africa.

InSeptember, Michael Webber of Wells Fargo Securities said the price tag implieda gross daily rate of $622,000 or $567,000 assuming mobilisation costs ofaround $10m.

Headquartered in Cyprus, Ocean Rigoversees a fleet of ten drilling rigs and drillships. Three are due fordelivery this year and one is scheduled to hit the water in 2014.