Global rig operator Transocean has set aside a further £483million to cover costs in the wake of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster, it revealed yesterday.
The firm had already set aside £640million in losses in relation to the Macondo incident, in which 11 people died after an explosion on its Deepwater Horizon rig.
Despite revenue rising 10% year-on-year to £1.65billion in the second quarter, the latest costs pushed the firm into the red, Transocean revealed yesterday.
It posted pre-tax losses of £217million, compared with profits of £79.4million in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, drilling contractor Rowan Companies posted a near-60% increase in revenue on the back of new rigs, increased use of its fleet and higher day rates.
The Houston firm said revenue in the second quarter was £218million, up 57% compared with the second quarter of 2011.
Pre-tax profits rose more marginally, from £28.6million in the second quarter of 2011, to £29.2million in the latest period.
Average day rates in the North Sea were £150,100, up from £145,800.