Is the Rowan Stavanger the reason for Xcite rig signing delay?

I believe there is a strong chance that Xcite are currently negotiating to take the Rowan Stavanger which is built and ready to be deployed rather than the Rowan Norway rig which was due for completion in October 2011. This would then be potential reason for the Letter of Intent being pushed back another 2 weeks and for the comments from the Xcite management at the oilbarrel conference, "don't worry about the rig". Seems to make much more sense than the company being in takeover negotiations. Would be fantastic news - faster production or further well testing. The jigsaw puzzle looks to be coming together. Looking forward to tomorrow's share price action.

http://www.offshore.no/sak/Rowan_Stavanger_mister_jobb

Rowan Stavanger loses job

Published 12.27.2010 12:25:28 by John Økland

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The customer withdrew from the letter of intent.

Rowan Stavanger is now without a contract after an unnamed customer has chosen not to make use of a letter of intent. The reason given to be well-engineering problems.

Rowan Stavanger is one of three rigs Rowan gained control of the acquisition of Skeie Drilling, which had ordered three identical jack-up is.

The rig is ready for delivery in January and is listed as vacant in Rowan Companies fleet update.

The other two rigs, Rowan and Rowan Norway Viking, both have appointments in the UK respectively Xcite Energy and Total.