We recently achieved important milestones in its ultra-deepwater expansion.  In 2009, ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501, the first two of seven ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles in the $3 Billion+ ENSCO 8500 Series^® newbuild program, commenced drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The third semi in the 8500 Series is expected to commence operations in 3rd quarter 2010. The proprietary design of the ENSCO 8500 Series^® ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles was developed with extensive input from customers to address the drilling requirements of virtually all deepwater fields around the world. 

Rated for work in 8,500' of water, the new ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs may be modified to operate in water depths up to 10,000'.  The uniform design streamlines operations across all of the 8500 Series rigs to control costs and enhance reliability for our customers.

Ensco’s 40-rig premium jackup fleet is one of the world's largest and most capable. Ten new jackup rigs were added over the past decade and more than $1.3 billion has been invested to upgrade the capability of the jackup fleet. 

In December 2009, Ensco redomesticated to the UK and, in March 2010, we changed our name to Ensco plc to commemorate the opening of our new global headquarters in London.

In April 2010, Ensco announced a significant increase in its quarterly cash divided to $0.35 per share from $0.025 per share.