Pacific Drilling Announces Ultra-Deepwater Drillship Pacific Mistral Begins Contract in Brazil

Pacific Drilling S.A.

announced today that its ultra-deepwater drillship the Pacific Mistral commenced operations in Brazil on February 6, 2012. The drillship is contracted for a three-year term to Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.

. The Pacific Mistral is capable of operating in water depths of up to 12,000 feet and drilling wells 37,500 feet deep.