Transocean looks to divest five stacked rigs

Transocean has announced plans to reduce its fleet size by unloading four drillships and one semisubmersible rig that are currently stacked, according to an August 27, 2025, filing with the US Security and Exchange Commission.

The company said that it expected a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $1.9 billion in its third quarter 2025 results. The company added that “[t]his strategic decision aims to optimize Transocean’s fleet by disposing of stacked assets, impacting the company’s financial reporting for the period.”   

The drillships being sold are the 2009-built Discoverer Clear Leader, the 2009-built Discoverer Americas, the 2011-built Deepwater Champion, and the 2010-built Discoverer India units, which have been stacked since June 2019, April 2016, February 2016, and July 2020, respectively.

The four drillships have already changed hands in an “as is” sale in Greece, according to a weekly report by Wirana Shipping, a cash buyer of vessels for demolition.

Transocean said in its SEC filing that it would also dispose of the Henry Goodrich semisubmersible rig, which has been stacked since March 2020.