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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark one)

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____ to _____

Commission file number 001-38373

GRAPHIC

TRANSOCEAN LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Switzerland

98-0599916

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Turmstrasse 30

Steinhausen, Switzerland

6312

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +41 (41) 749-0500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Shares, CHF 0.10 per share

RIG

New York Stock Exchange

0.50% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due 2023

RIG/23

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.   Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).   Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer  Non-accelerated filer 
Smaller reporting company  Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes    No  

As of June 30, 2020, 614,612,545 shares were outstanding and the aggregate market value of shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $1.12 billion (based on the reported closing market price of the shares of Transocean Ltd. on June 30, 2020 of $1.83 per share and assuming that all directors and executive officers of the Company are “affiliates,” although the Company does not acknowledge that any such person is actually an “affiliate” within the meaning of the federal securities laws).  As of February 16, 2021, 616,025,144 shares were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2020, for its 2021 annual general meeting of shareholders, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020

Item

Page

PART I

Item 1.

Business

2

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

8

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

21

Item 2.

Properties

21

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

21

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

22

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

24

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

25

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

26

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

40

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

41

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

76

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

76

Item 9B.

Other Information

76

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

77

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

77

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

77

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

77

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

77

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

78

Forward-Looking Information

The statements included in this annual report regarding future financial performance and results of operations and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States (“U.S.”) Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements in this annual report include, but are not limited to, statements about the following subjects:

the effect, impact, potential duration, the rate of any economic recovery or other implications of the outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and disputes and actions with respect to production levels by, among or between major oil and gas producing countries and any expectations we may have with respect thereto;
our results of operations, our revenue efficiency and other performance indicators; optimization of rig-based spending and our cash flow from operations;
the offshore drilling market, including the effects of variations in commodity prices, supply and demand, utilization rates, dayrates, customer drilling programs, stacking and reactivation of rigs, effects of new rigs on the market, the impact of changes to regulations in jurisdictions in which we operate and changes in the global economy or market outlook for the various geographies in which we operate or for our classes of rigs;
customer drilling contracts, including contract backlog, force majeure provisions, contract awards, commencements, extensions, terminations, renegotiations, contract option exercises, contract revenues, early termination payments, indemnity provisions and rig mobilizations;
liquidity, including availability under our bank credit agreement, and adequacy of cash flows for our obligations;
debt levels, including impacts of the current financial and economic downturn, interest rates, credit ratings and our evaluation or decisions with respect to any potential liability management transactions or other strategic alternatives intended to prudently manage our liquidity, debt maturities and other aspects of our capital structure and any litigation, alleged defaults and discussions with creditors related thereto;
newbuild, upgrade, shipyard and other capital projects, including completion, relinquishment or abandonment, delivery and commencement of operation dates, expected downtime and lost revenues, the level of expected capital expenditures and the timing and cost of completing capital projects;
the cost and timing of acquisitions and the proceeds and timing of dispositions;
tax matters, including our effective tax rate, changes in tax laws, treaties and regulations, tax assessments and liabilities for tax issues in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate or have a taxable presence;
legal and regulatory matters, including results and effects of current or potential legal proceedings and governmental audits and assessments, outcomes and effects of internal and governmental investigations, customs and environmental matters;
insurance matters, including adequacy of insurance, renewal of insurance, insurance proceeds and cash investments of our wholly owned captive insurance company;
effects of accounting changes and adoption of accounting policies; and
investment in recruitment, retention and personnel development initiatives, the timing of, and other matters concerning, severance payments and benefit payments.

Forward-looking statements in this annual report are identifiable by use of the following words and other similar expressions:

anticipates

budgets

estimates

forecasts

may

plans

projects

should

believes

could

expects

intends

might

predicts

scheduled

Such statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to:

those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K;
the effects of public health threats, pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of COVID-19, and the adverse impact thereof on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including, but not limited to, our growth, operating costs, supply chain, labor availability, logistical capabilities, customer demand for our services and industry demand generally, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally;
the effects of actions by, or disputes among or between, members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and natural gas producing countries with respect to production levels or other matters related to the prices of oil and natural gas;
the adequacy of and access to our sources of liquidity;
our inability to renew drilling contracts at comparable dayrates and to obtain drilling contracts for our rigs that do not have contracts;
operational performance;
the cancellation of drilling contracts currently included in our reported contract backlog;
losses on impairment of long-lived assets;
shipyard, construction and other delays;
the results of meetings of our shareholders;
changes in political, social and economic conditions;
the effect and results of litigation, regulatory matters, settlements, audits, assessments and contingencies; and
other factors discussed in this annual report and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

The foregoing risks and uncertainties are beyond our ability to control, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties.  You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement.  We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law.

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PART I

Item 1.Business

Overview

Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells.  As of February 16, 2021, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated a fleet of 37 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh environment floaters.  As of February 16, 2021, we were constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.

Our primary business is to contract our drilling rigs, related equipment and work crews predominantly on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells.  We specialize in technically demanding regions of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services.  Our mobile offshore drilling fleet is one of the most versatile fleets in the world, consisting of drillship and semisubmersible floaters used in support of offshore drilling activities and offshore support services on a worldwide basis.

Transocean Ltd. is a Swiss corporation with its registered office in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug and with principal executive offices located at Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland.  Our telephone number at that address is +41 41 749-0500.  Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RIG.”  For information about the revenues, operating income, assets and other information related to our business, our segments and the geographic areas in which we operate, see “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 20—Operating Segments, Geographic Analysis and Major Customers.”

Drilling Fleet

Overview—Our drilling fleet of floaters consists of drillships and semisubmersibles, which are mobile and can be moved to new locations in response to customer demand.  Our drilling equipment is suitable for both exploration and development, and we engage in both types of drilling activity.  Our mobile offshore drilling units are designed to operate in locations away from port for extended periods of time and have living quarters for the crews, a helicopter landing deck and storage space for drill pipe, riser and drilling supplies.

Drillships are generally self-propelled vessels, shaped like conventional ships, and are the most mobile of the major rig types.  Our high-specification drillships are equipped with dynamic positioning thruster systems, which allows them to maintain position without anchors through the use of onboard propulsion and station-keeping systems.  Ultra-deepwater drillships typically have greater deck load and storage capacity than early generation semisubmersible rigs, which provides logistical and resupply efficiency benefits for customers.  Drillships are generally better suited to operations in calmer sea conditions and typically do not operate in areas considered to be harsh environments.  We have 22 ultra-deepwater drillships that are, and two ultra-deepwater drillships under construction that will be, equipped with our patented dual-activity technology.  Dual-activity technology employs structures, equipment and techniques using two drilling stations within a dual derrick to allow these drillships to perform simultaneous drilling tasks in a parallel, rather than a sequential manner, which reduces critical path activity and improves efficiency in both exploration and development drilling.  In addition to dynamic positioning thruster systems, dual-activity technology and industry-leading hoisting capacity, our contracted newbuild drillship under construction will be equipped with two 20,000 pounds per square inch (“psi”) blowout preventers and, if the relevant conditions are satisfied, our newbuild drillship with a conditional agreement will be equipped with one 20,000 psi blowout preventer as required by the conditional agreement and will be equipped to accommodate a second 20,000 psi blowout preventer.

Semisubmersibles are floating vessels that can be partially submerged by means of a water ballast system such that the lower column sections and pontoons are below the water surface during drilling operations.  Semisubmersibles are known for stability, making them well suited for operating in rough sea conditions.  Semisubmersible floaters are capable of maintaining their position over a well either through dynamic positioning or the use of mooring systems.  Although most semisubmersible rigs are relocated with the assistance of tugs, some units are self-propelled and move between locations under their own power when afloat on pontoons.  Four of our 13 semisubmersibles are equipped with dual-activity technology and also have mooring capability.  Two of these four dual-activity units are custom-designed, high capacity semisubmersible drilling rigs, equipped for year-round operations in harsh environments, including those of the Norwegian continental shelf and sub-Arctic waters.

Fleet categories—We further categorize the drilling units of our fleet as follows: (1) “ultra-deepwater floaters” and (2) “harsh environment floaters.”  Ultra-deepwater floaters are equipped with high-pressure mud pumps and are capable of drilling in water depths of 4,500 feet or greater.  Harsh environment floaters are capable of drilling in harsh environments in water depths between 1,500 and 10,000 feet and have greater displacement, which offers larger variable load capacity, more useable deck space and better motion characteristics.

Fleet status—Depending on market conditions, we may idle or stack our non-contracted rigs.  An idle rig is between drilling contracts, readily available for operations, and operating costs are typically at or near normal operating levels.  A stacked rig typically has reduced operating costs, is staffed by a reduced crew or has no crew and is (a) preparing for an extended period of inactivity, (b) expected to continue to be inactive for an extended period, or (c) completing a period of extended inactivity.  Stacked rigs will continue to incur operating

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costs at or above normal operating levels for approximately 30 days following initiation of stacking.  Some idle rigs and all stacked rigs require additional costs to return to service.  The actual cost to return to service, which in many instances could be significant and could fluctuate over time, depends upon various factors, including the availability and cost of shipyard facilities, the cost of equipment and materials, the extent of repairs and maintenance that may ultimately be required and time and cost of assembling and training crew.  We consider these factors, together with market conditions, length of contract, dayrate and other contract terms, when deciding whether to return a stacked rig to service.  We may not return some stacked rigs to work for drilling services.

Drilling units—The following tables, presented as of February 12, 2021, provide certain specifications for our rigs.  Unless otherwise noted, the stated location of each rig indicates either the current drilling location, if the rig is operating, or the next operating location, if the rig is in shipyard with a follow-on contract.  The dates provided represent the expected time of completion, the year placed into service, and, if applicable, the year of the most recent upgrade.  As of February 12, 2021, we owned all of the drilling rigs in our fleet noted in the tables below, except for the following: (1) the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge, which is owned through our 33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (together with its subsidiary, “Orion”), and (2) the ultra-deepwater floater Petrobras 10000, which is subject to a finance lease through August 2029.

Water

Drilling

Contracted

Year

depth

depth

location or

entered

capacity

capacity

standby

Rig category and name

    

Specifications

    

Type

    

service

    

(in feet)

    

(in feet)

    

status

 

Ultra-deepwater floaters (27)

Deepwater Poseidon

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Drillship

2018

12,000

40,000

U.S. Gulf

Deepwater Pontus

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Drillship

2017

12,000

40,000

U.S. Gulf

Deepwater Conqueror

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Drillship

2016

12,000

40,000

U.S. Gulf

Deepwater Proteus

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Drillship

2016

12,000

40,000

U.S. Gulf

Deepwater Thalassa

(a) (b) (c) (d)

Drillship

2016

12,000

40,000

U.S. Gulf

Ocean Rig Apollo

(a) (b)

Drillship

2015

12,000

40,000

Stacked

Deepwater Athena

(a) (b)

Drillship

2014

12,000

40,000

Stacked

Deepwater Asgard

(a) (b) (c)

Drillship

2014

12,000

40,000

Idle

Deepwater Invictus

(a) (b) (c)

Drillship

2014

12,000

40,000

Trinidad

Deepwater Skyros

(a) (b)

Drillship

2013

12,000

40,000

Angola

Deepwater Mylos

(a) (b) (c)

Drillship

2013

12,000

40,000

Stacked

Deepwater Champion

(a) (b)

Drillship

2011

12,000

40,000

Stacked

Deepwater Corcovado

(a) (b)

Drillship

2011

10,000

35,000

Brazil

Deepwater Mykonos

(a) (b)

Drillship

2011

10,000

35,000

Brazil

Deepwater Orion

(a) (b)

Drillship

2011

10,000

35,000

Idle

Deepwater Olympia

(a) (b)

Drillship

2011

10,000

35,000

Stacked

Discoverer India

(a) (b)

Drillship

2010

12,000

40,000

Stacked

Discoverer Luanda

(a) (b)

Drillship

2010

7,500

40,000

Stacked

Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2

(a)

Drillship

2010

12,000

35,000

Myanmar

Discoverer Inspiration

(a) (b) (c)

Drillship

2010

12,000

40,000

Idle

Discoverer Americas

(a) (b)

Drillship

2009

12,000

40,000

Stacked

Development Driller III

(a) (b) (e)

Semisubmersible

2009

7,500

37,500

Trinidad

Petrobras 10000

(a) (b)

Drillship

2009

12,000

37,500

Brazil

Discoverer Clear Leader

(a) (b) (c)

Drillship

2009

12,000

40,000

Stacked

Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1

(a)

Drillship

2009

12,000

35,000

India

GSF Development Driller I

(a) (b) (e)

Semisubmersible

2005

7,500

37,500

Stacked

Deepwater Nautilus

(e)

Semisubmersible

2000

8,000

30,000

Idle

Harsh environment floaters (10)

Transocean Norge

(a) (e) (g)

Semisubmersible

2019

10,000

40,000

Norwegian N. Sea

Transocean Enabler

(a) (e) (g)

Semisubmersible

2016

1,640

28,000

Norwegian N. Sea

Transocean Encourage

(a) (e) (g)

Semisubmersible

2016

1,640

28,000

Norwegian N. Sea

Transocean Endurance

(a) (e) (g)

Semisubmersible

2015

1,640

28,000

Norwegian N. Sea

Transocean Equinox

(a) (e) (g)

Semisubmersible

2015

1,640

28,000

Norwegian N. Sea

Transocean Spitsbergen

(a) (e) (f) (g)

Semisubmersible

2010

10,000

30,000

Norwegian N. Sea

Transocean Barents

(a) (e) (f)

Semisubmersible

2009

10,000

30,000

Norwegian N. Sea

Henry Goodrich

(e)

Semisubmersible

1985/2007

5,000

30,000

Stacked

Transocean Leader

(e)

Semisubmersible

1987/1997

4,500

25,000

Stacked

Paul B. Loyd, Jr.

(e)

Semisubmersible

1990

2,000

25,000

U.K. N. Sea

(a) Dynamically positioned.
(b) Patented dual activity.
(c) Two blowout preventers.
(d) Designed to accommodate a future upgrade to 20,000 psi blowout preventers.
(e) Moored.
(f) Dual activity.
(g) Automated drilling control.

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Water

Drilling

Contracted

depth

depth

location or

Expected

capacity

capacity

contracted

Rig category and name

    

Specifications

    

Type

    

completion

    

(in feet)

    

(in feet)

    

status

 

Rigs under construction (2)

Ultra-deepwater floaters

Deepwater Atlas

(a) (b) (c)

Drillship

12,000

40,000

Uncontracted

Deepwater Titan

(a) (b) (d)

Drillship

H1 2022

12,000

40,000

U.S. Gulf

(a)

To be dynamically positioned.

(b)

To be equipped with our patented dual activity.

(c)

To be equipped with one and designed to accommodate a future second 20,000 psi blowout preventer.

(d)

To be equipped with two 20,000 psi blowout preventers.

Drilling Contracts

Our contracts to provide offshore drilling services are individually negotiated and vary in their terms and conditions.  We obtain most of our drilling contracts through competitive bidding against other contractors and direct negotiations with operators.  Drilling contracts generally provide for payment on a dayrate basis, with higher rates for periods while the drilling unit is operating and lower rates or zero rate for periods of mobilization or when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted by equipment breakdowns, adverse environmental conditions or other conditions beyond our control.  A dayrate drilling contract generally extends over a period of time either covering the drilling of a single well or group of wells or covering a stated term.  At December 31, 2020, our contract backlog was approximately $8.1 billion, representing a decrease of 22 percent and a decrease of 35 percent, respectively, compared to the contract backlog at December 31, 2019 and 2018, which was $10.4 billion and $12.5 billion, respectively.  See “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Performance and Other Key Indicators.”

Certain of our drilling contracts may be cancelable for the convenience of the customer, typically with the payment of an early termination payment.  Such payments, however, may not fully compensate us for the loss of the contract.  Contracts also customarily provide for either automatic termination or termination at the option of the customer, typically without payment of any termination fee, under various circumstances such as non-performance, in the event of extended downtime or impaired performance due to equipment or operational issues or periods of extended downtime due to force majeure events.  Many of these events are beyond our control.  The contract term in some instances may be extended by the customer exercising options for the drilling of additional wells or for an additional term.  Our contracts also typically include a provision that allows the customer to extend the contract to finish drilling a well-in-progress.  During periods of depressed market conditions, our customers may seek to renegotiate firm drilling contracts to reduce the term of their obligations or the average dayrate through term extensions, or may seek to early terminate or repudiate their contracts.  Suspension of drilling contracts will result in the reduction in or loss of dayrate for the period of the suspension.  If our customers cancel some of our contracts and we are unable to secure new contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, if contracts are suspended for an extended period of time or if a number of our contracts are renegotiated, it could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events, and, during depressed market conditions, our customers may seek to repudiate or renegotiate their contracts.”

Under dayrate drilling contracts, consistent with standard industry practice, our customers, as the operators, generally assume, and grant indemnity for, subsurface and well control risks, and their consequential damages.  Under all of our current drilling contracts, our customers, indemnify us for pollution damages in connection with reservoir fluids stemming from operations under the contract, and we indemnify our customers for pollution that originates above the surface of the water from the rig from substances in our control, such as diesel used onboard the rig or other fluids stored onboard the rig.  Also, our customers indemnify us for consequential damages they incur, damage to the well or reservoir, loss of subsurface oil and gas and the cost of bringing the well under control.  However, our drilling contracts are individually negotiated, and the degree of indemnification we receive from our customers for the risks discussed above may vary from contract to contract, based on market conditions and customer requirements existing when the contract was negotiated.  In some instances, we have contractually agreed upon certain limits to our indemnification rights and can be responsible for damages up to a specified maximum dollar amount.  The nature of our liability and the prevailing market conditions, among other factors, can influence such contractual terms.  In most instances in which we are indemnified for damages to the well, we have the responsibility to redrill the well at a reduced dayrate.  Notwithstanding a contractual indemnity from a customer, there can be no assurance that our customers will be financially able to indemnify us or will otherwise honor their contractual indemnity obligations.

The interpretation and enforceability of a contractual indemnity depends upon the specific facts and circumstances involved, as governed by applicable laws, and may ultimately need to be decided by a court or other proceeding, which will need to consider the specific contract language, the facts and applicable laws.  The law generally considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy.  Courts also restrict indemnification for criminal fines and penalties.  The inability or other failure of our customers to fulfill their indemnification obligations, or unenforceability of our contractual protections could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—Our business involves numerous operating hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be adequate to cover potential losses from our operations.”

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Markets

Our operations are geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration and development areas throughout the world.  We operate in a single, global offshore drilling market, as our drilling rigs are mobile assets and can be moved according to prevailing market conditions.  We may mobilize our drilling rigs between regions for a variety of reasons, including to respond to customer contracting requirements or to capture observed market demand.  Consequently, we cannot predict the future percentage of our revenues that will be derived from particular geographic areas.  As of February 12, 2021, our drilling fleet, including stacked and idle rigs, but excluding rigs under construction, was located in Greece (eight units), the Norwegian North Sea (seven units), the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (seven units), Brazil (three units), Malaysia (three units), the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”) North Sea (two units), Trinidad (two unit), Angola (one unit), Canada (one unit), India (one unit), Myanmar (one unit), and Namibia (one unit).

We categorize the market sectors in which we operate as follows: (1) ultra-deepwater and deepwater, (2) harsh environment, and (3) midwater.  We offer our drilling services across all of these market sectors, collectively known as the floater market, with our drillships and semisubmersibles, 11 of which are suited to work in harsh environments.  We generally view the ultra-deepwater and deepwater market sector as water depths beginning at 4,500 feet and extending to the maximum water depths in which rigs are capable of drilling, which is currently up to 12,000 feet.  The midwater market sector includes water depths from approximately 300 feet to approximately 4,500 feet.  The harsh environment market sector includes regions that are more challenged by lower temperatures, harsher weather conditions and water currents.

The market for offshore drilling rigs and related services reflects oil companies’ demand for equipment for drilling exploration, appraisal and development wells and for performing maintenance on existing production wells.  Activity levels of energy companies, including integrated oil companies, independent oil companies and, to a lesser extent, national oil companies are largely driven by the worldwide demand for energy, including crude oil and natural gas.  Worldwide energy supply and demand drives oil and natural gas prices, which, in turn, impact energy companies’ ability to fund investments in exploration, development and production activities.

Since 2014, the industry has experienced a severe cyclical downturn of considerably longer duration than those previously observed.  Multiple years of volatile and generally weak commodity prices, exacerbated in 2020 by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and production disputes among major oil producing countries, have resulted in our customers repeatedly delaying offshore investment decisions and postponing exploration and development programs.  Some of our customers have also recently committed to invest or increase investment in low carbon and renewable energy resources, potentially reducing their expenditures in the development and production of hydrocarbons over the coming decades.  However, even in the context of some diversion of investment away from traditional sources of energy, the structural efficiency gains achieved by the offshore oil and gas segment in the past six years have materially improved the economics of deepwater offshore development projects, making the segment a competitive source of new supply.

We anticipate that the subdued level of contract activity will continue for at least the first half of 2021, although we believe that by the second half of 2021, our customers will again focus on favorable deepwater offshore economics and begin increasing their exploration, production and reserve replacement activities by restarting delayed projects and commencing new campaigns.  This depends on many variables, including global amelioration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of actions by some governments and regulators intended to curtail existing and future drilling activities, and other factors.

Our overall outlook for the offshore drilling sector remains positive, particularly for high-specification assets.  Brazil, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and to a lesser extent, West Africa remain key ultra-deepwater market sectors, while Norway represents the largest harsh environment market.  In addition, in 2020, we saw continued strong tendering activity for Asia and Australia.  Licensing activity also indicated an increased interest in these areas as energy companies looked to explore and develop new prospects.

As the economics of offshore development projects have materially improved, we expect deepwater oil and gas production will continue to be a significant part of the long-term strategy for energy companies as they strive to replace reserves to meet global demand for energy sources and hydrocarbons.  .  These projects are technically demanding due to factors such as water depth, complex well designs, deeper drilling depth, high pressure and temperature, sub-salt geological formations, harsh environments, and heightened regulatory standards; therefore, they require high-specification drilling units.

Generally, high-specification rigs are the most modern, technologically advanced class of the offshore fleet and have capabilities that are attractive to energy companies operating in deeper water depths, other challenging environments or with complex well designs.  We have led the industry and made concerted efforts since the beginning of the prolonged downturn to high-grade our fleet profile by acquiring high-specification assets and disposing of lower-specification assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, we significantly enhanced our high-specification asset portfolio with our acquisitions of (i) Songa Offshore SE, (ii) Ocean Rig UDW Inc. and (iii) a 33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion.  During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we sold for scrap value six, eleven and eight lower-specification drilling units, respectively.

Ultimately, as the hydrocarbon supply-demand balance improves, including as the result of a post-pandemic global economic recovery, we expect a sustained improvement of oil prices, which will result in greater demand for our high-specification fleet of assets, resulting in further improvement of dayrates.  Consequently, when considering the reduced supply of offshore drilling units and expected increase in demand, we expect dayrates for our services should steadily increase over the next several years.  See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business.”

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Customers

We provide our offshore drilling services to most of the leading integrated oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many government-owned or government-controlled oil companies and other independent oil companies.  For the year ended December 31, 2020, our most significant customers were Royal Dutch Shell plc (together with its affiliates, “Shell”), Equinor ASA (together with its affiliates, “Equinor”) and Chevron Corporation (together with its affiliates, “Chevron”), representing approximately 28 percent, 27 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues.  No other customers accounted for 10 percent or more of our consolidated operating revenues in the year ended December 31, 2020.  Additionally, as of February 12, 2021, the customers with the most significant aggregate amount of contract backlog associated with our drilling contracts were Shell, Equinor and Chevron, representing approximately 53 percent, 23 percent and 13 percent, respectively, of our total contract backlog.  See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—We rely heavily on a relatively small number of customers and the loss of a significant customer or a dispute that leads to the loss of a customer could have an adverse effect on our business.”

Human Capital Resources

Worldwide workforce—As of December 31, 2020, we had a global workforce of approximately 5,350 individuals, including approximately 530 contractors, representing 56 nationalities.  At December 31, 2020, our global workforce is geographically distributed in 25 countries across five continents as follows: 34 percent in Europe, 32 percent in North America, 18 percent in South America, 11 percent in Asia and 5 percent in Africa.

Approximately 43 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Norway, Brazil and the U.K., are represented by, and some of our contracted labor work is subject to, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject to annual salary negotiation.  Negotiations over annual salary or other labor matters could result in higher personnel or other costs or increased operational restrictions or disruptions.  The outcome of any such negotiation generally affects the market for all offshore employees, not only union members.  Furthermore, a failure to reach an agreement on certain key issues could result in strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages.

FIRST Shared Values and corporate culture—Our FIRST Shared Values guide us to act responsibly as we strive to deliver value for our stakeholders, and they form the foundation of our corporate culture as follows:

Focused.  We will consistently exceed the expectations of customers, shareholders and employees.
Innovative.  We will continuously advance our position as technical leaders, and relentlessly pursue improvement in all that we do.
Reliable.  We will execute flawlessly by ensuring that our equipment, processes and systems always perform as and when intended, and that our people are properly trained and motivated.
Safe.  Above all else, we will protect each other, the environment and our assets.  We will conduct our operations in an incident-free environment, all the time, everywhere.
Trusted.  We will always act with integrity and professionalism, honor our commitments, comply with laws and regulations, respect local cultures, and be fiscally responsible.

Development, attraction and retention—We are committed to being the world’s premier offshore drilling contractor, which requires that we develop, retain and attract the industry’s best workforce.  For that reason, we offer regionally competitive compensation and benefits packages, a technically challenging work environment, global opportunities, and rotational development programs.  In addition, our team remains abreast of industry and technology trends and their transformative effects on our work environment.  These advancements necessitate that we continuously develop our workforce, ensuring that they have the skills and competencies for our organization to realize the full benefits of these advancements and responsibly deliver value to our stakeholders.

Training—We maintain a rigorous competency-based training program.  Our internal training board maintains and regularly updates our training matrix to meet or exceed industry standards, and it oversees our competency assurance management system, which is accredited by the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization.  Offshore training formats include on-the-job, e-learning, customer-specific training, certifications, and leadership and licensing programs.  Unique simulation-based education, augmented by digital twin modeling, enables our workforce to more accurately visualize equipment performance and target efficiencies.  The certifications, skills and competencies needed for each role are clearly articulated to our workforce, and workers are required to successfully complete the relevant training and attain all necessary certifications prior to taking on new roles.

Wellness and benefits—We strive to offer regionally competitive medical and financial benefits, tailored to our workforce demographics, particularly in terms of generational segmentation.  We design our wellness and benefits strategy under four pillars consisting of physical well-being, financial well-being, emotional well-being and social well-being.

Safety—Our safety vision is to conduct our operations in an incident-free workplace, all the time, everywhere.  We prioritize protection of our people, the environment and our property at all work locations and during all operations, and we require compliance with all local regulations and a comprehensive set of internal policies and procedures that govern our operations.  With regular competency and effectiveness assessments, our highly trained crews are equipped to protect our operational integrity with the process-driven management of hazards to prevent and mitigate major hazard accidents.  At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we moved quickly to enact additional health and safety protocols for COVID-19 mitigation, and we have keenly focused on enhanced communication and employee support to engage our workforce in a remote work environment.

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We measure our safety performance in terms of widely accepted ratios with the use of industry standards, including (a) the total recorded incidence rate (“TRIR”), which represents the number of work-related injuries or illnesses for every 200,000 hours worked, and (b) the lost time incidence rate (“LTIR”), which measures the number of incidents that result in lost time due to work-related injuries for every 200,000 hours worked.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, our TRIR was 0.24, and our LTIR was 0.0.

Environmental Responsibility

We constantly look for new ways to advance our commitment to safely performing our operations while simultaneously safeguarding the environment in which we operate.  We assess the environmental impacts of our operations, focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, operational discharges and water use, through increasing energy efficiency and waste minimization.  Our actions are designed to reduce risk in our current and future operations, to promote sound environmental management practices and to continue to be proactive in managing and reducing our environmental footprint.  Our investments and deployment of capital and technology reflect our commitment to improve the energy and emission efficiency of our operations.

When we have decommissioned older and less capable assets, we have demonstrated our commitment to recycle them according to established environmental regulations and guidelines.  All the rigs that we have sold for scrap value have been safely and responsibly recycled following protocols established under the Basel Convention and by the International Maritime Organization at the Hong Kong International Convention.

Technological Innovation

We have a long history of technological innovation, including the first dynamically positioned drillship, the first rig to drill year-round in the North Sea, the first semisubmersible rig for year-round sub-Arctic operations, the first 10,000-ft. water depth rated ultra-deepwater drillship and numerous water depth world records over the past several decades.  Twenty-two drillships and two semisubmersibles in our existing fleet are, and our two drillships that are under construction will be, equipped with our patented dual-activity technology, which allows our rigs to perform simultaneous drilling tasks in a parallel rather than sequential manner, reducing well construction critical path activities and, thereby, improving efficiency in both exploration and development drilling.

We continue to develop and deploy industry-leading technology in the pursuit of delivering safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible drilling services.  In addition to our patented dual-activity drilling technology, our two drillships under construction will include industry-leading 3.5 million-pound hoisting load capability, hybrid energy storage systems for enhanced drill floor equipment reliability, fuel and emissions savings as well as advanced generator protection for power plant reliability.  Ten drillships in our existing fleet are, and our two drillships that are under construction will be, outfitted with dual blowout preventers and triple liquid mud systems.  Our two drillships under construction will be equipped with 20,000 psi blowout preventers and related equipment.  Five drillships in our existing fleet are designed to accept 20,000 psi blowout preventers in the future.

Seven of our harsh environment semisubmersibles are designed and constructed specifically to provide highly efficient performance in the Norwegian North Sea and in the Barents Sea.  In 2019, we deployed the world’s first hybrid energy storage system aboard a floating drilling unit, the harsh environment floater Transocean Spitsbergen, which is the first solution to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while providing enhanced power management and station keeping reliability.  We also continue to develop and invest in technologies designed to optimize our performance and deliver ever better operational integrity through innovations, such as our proprietary fault-resistant and fault-tolerant blowout preventer control system.  We have installed automated drilling control systems on six harsh environment floaters, which materially improves our ability to safely and efficiently deliver wells to our customers.

We have also deployed our smart equipment analytics tool, which delivers real-time data feeds from equipment and is used to monitor equipment health and inferred emissions and energy consumption.  This technology can also identify trends in performance that allow us to systematically optimize equipment maintenance and achieve higher levels of reliability, operational efficiency and sustainability.  This data-driven approach, augmented by the size of our fleet, is helping us build a knowledge framework for sustainable process optimization.  Additionally, our continued, acute focus on personnel safety has driven the development and deployment of our patented HaloGuard system, which will alarm, notify and, if required, halt equipment to avoid injury to personnel who move into danger zones.

We believe our efforts to continuously improve, and effectively use, innovative technologies to meet or exceed our customers’ requirements is critical to maintaining our competitive position within the contract drilling services industry by drilling more efficient wells, building greater resilience into our critical operating systems, ensuring the safety of our crews, and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Governmental Regulations

Our operations are subject to a variety of international, regional, national, state and local government regulations, including environmental regulations.  We monitor our compliance with such government regulations in each country of operation and, while we see an increase in many government regulations, particularly general environmental regulation, we have made and will continue to make the required expenditures to comply with current and future government requirements.  To date, we have not incurred material costs in order to comply with such government regulations, including environmental regulation, and do not expect to make any material capital expenditures in order to comply with such regulations in the year ended December 31, 2021, or any other period contemplated at this time.  We do not believe that

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our compliance with such requirements will have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, consolidated results of operations or cash flows.  We incorporate by reference into this subsection “—Government Relations” the disclosures on government regulations, including environmental regulations, contained in the following sections of this annual report on Form 10-K:

“Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our laws, regulations and governmental compliance;”
“Item 3, Legal Proceedings;”
“Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Other Matters;”
“Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes;” and
“Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies.”

Joint Venture, Agency and Sponsorship Relationships and Other Investments

In some areas of the world, local customs and practice or governmental requirements necessitate the formation of joint ventures with local participation since local laws or customs in those areas effectively mandate the establishment of a relationship with a local agent or sponsor.  When appropriate in these areas, we may enter into agency or sponsorship agreements.  We also invest in certain companies for operational purposes, some of which are involved in researching and developing technology to improve efficiency and reliability and to increase automation, sustainability and safety for our drilling and other activities.  We may or may not control these partially owned companies.  At December 31, 2020, we held partial ownership interests in companies in the Cayman Islands, the U.S., Norway, Canada, Angola, Nigeria and other countries, the most significant of which was our 33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion, an unconsolidated Cayman Islands exempted company formed to construct and own the harsh environment semisubmersible Transocean Norge.  Certain affiliates of Hayfin Capital Management LLP, own the remaining 67.0 percent ownership interest in Orion not owned by us.

Available Information

Our website address is www.deepwater.com.  Information contained on or accessible from our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and should not be considered a part of this report or any other filing that we make with the SEC.  Furthermore, references to our website URLs are intended to be inactive textual references only.  We make available on this website free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file those materials with, or furnish those materials to, the SEC.  You may also find on our website information related to our corporate governance, board committees and company code of business conduct and ethics.  The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding SEC registrants, including us.  We intend to satisfy the requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K to disclose any amendments to our Code of Integrity and any waiver from any provision of our Code of Integrity by posting such information in the Governance page on our website at www.deepwater.com.

Item 1A.Risk Factors

Risks related to our business

Our business depends on the level of activity in the offshore oil and gas industry, which is significantly affected by volatile oil and gas prices and other factors.

Our business depends on the level of activity in oil and gas exploration, development and production in offshore areas worldwide.  Demand for our services depends on oil and natural gas industry activity and expenditure levels that are directly affected by trends in oil and, to a lesser extent, natural gas prices.  Oil and gas prices are extremely volatile and are affected by numerous factors, including the following:

worldwide demand for oil and gas, including economic activity in the U.S. and other large energy-consuming markets, which has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the governmental, company and individual reactions thereto;
the ability of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) to set and maintain production levels, productive spare capacity and pricing;
the level of production in non-OPEC countries;
inventory levels, and the cost and availability of storage and transportation of oil, gas and their related products;
the policies, laws and regulations of various governments regarding exploration and development of their oil and gas reserves, the environment and climate change;
international sanctions on oil-producing countries, or the lifting of such sanctions;
advances in exploration, development and production technology;
the further development of shale technology to exploit oil and gas reserves;
the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves and the rate of decline of existing oil and gas reserves;
laws and regulations related to environmental matters, including those addressing alternative energy sources and the risks of global climate change;
the development, exploitation and market acceptance of alternative energy sources;
accidents, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters and other similar incidents relating to the oil and gas industry; and
the worldwide security and political environment, including uncertainty or instability resulting from an escalation or outbreak of armed hostilities, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, public health threats or other crises.

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Demand for our services is particularly sensitive to the level of exploration, development and production activity of, and the corresponding capital spending by, oil and natural gas companies, including national oil companies.  Prolonged reductions in oil and natural gas prices could depress the immediate levels of exploration, development and production activity.  Perceptions of longer-term lower oil and natural gas prices by oil and gas companies could similarly reduce or defer major expenditures given the long-term nature of many large-scale development projects.  Lower levels of activity result in a corresponding decline in the demand for our services, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and profitability.  Oil and gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in these prices significantly affect this level of activity.  However, increases in near-term commodity prices do not necessarily translate into increased offshore drilling activity since customers’ expectations of longer-term future commodity prices typically have a greater impact on demand for our rigs.  Consistent with this dynamic, customers may delay or cancel many exploration and development programs, resulting in reduced demand for our services.  Also, increased competition for customers’ drilling budgets could come from, among other areas, land-based energy markets worldwide.  The availability of quality drilling prospects, exploration success, relative production costs, the stage of reservoir development and political and regulatory environments also affect customers’ drilling campaigns.  Worldwide military, political and economic events have often contributed to oil and gas price volatility and are likely to do so in the future.

The offshore drilling industry is highly competitive and cyclical, with intense price competition.

The offshore contract drilling industry is highly competitive with numerous industry participants, none of which has a dominant market share.  Drilling contracts are traditionally awarded on a competitive bid basis.  Although rig availability, service quality and technical capability are drivers of customer contract awards, bid pricing and intense price competition are often key determinants for which a qualified contractor is awarded a job.

The offshore drilling industry is highly cyclical and is impacted by oil and natural gas price levels and volatility.  Periods of high customer demand, limited rig supply and high dayrates have been followed by periods of low customer demand, excess rig supply and low dayrates.  Changes in commodity prices can have a dramatic effect on rig demand, and periods of excess rig supply may intensify competition in the industry and result in the idling of older and less technologically advanced equipment.  We have idled and stacked rigs, and may in the future idle or stack additional rigs or enter into lower dayrate drilling contracts in response to market conditions.  Idled or stacked rigs may remain out of service for extended periods of time.  During prior periods of high dayrates and rig utilization rates, we and other industry participants responded to increased customer demand by increasing the supply of rigs through ordering the construction of new units.  The number of new units delivered without contracts, combined with an increased number of rigs in the global market completing contracts and becoming idle, has increased and may continue to intensify price competition.  In periods of low oil and natural gas price levels, new construction has historically resulted in an oversupply of rigs and has caused a subsequent decline in dayrates and rig utilization rates, sometimes for extended periods of time.  In an oversupplied market, we may have limited bargaining power to negotiate on more favorable terms.  Additionally, lower market dayrates and intense price competition may drive customers to seek to renegotiate existing contracts to lower dayrates in exchange for longer contract terms.  Lower dayrates and rig utilization rates could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.

As of February 12, 2021, we have 16 uncontracted rigs, and these rigs may remain out of service for extended periods of time.  We also have two additional rigs under construction, and while both have secured contracts, one has a contract that is conditional upon a final investment decision of the customer and its partners.  If we are unable to obtain drilling contracts for our uncontracted rigs, whether due to a prolonged offshore drilling market downturn, a delayed or muted recovery of such market or otherwise, it may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

Our current backlog of contract drilling revenues may not be fully realized.

At February 12, 2021, our contract backlog was approximately $7.8 billion.  This amount represents the number of days remaining in the firm term of the drilling contract multiplied by the maximum contractual operating dayrate, excluding revenues for mobilization, demobilization, contract preparation, other incentive provisions or reimbursement revenues, which are generally insignificant to our contract drilling revenues.  Our contract backlog includes amounts associated with our contracted newbuild unit that is currently under construction but excludes amounts related to the conditional agreement we have for our second newbuild unit under construction.  The contractual operating dayrate may be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive or an alternative contractual dayrate, such as waiting on weather rate, repair rate, standby rate or force majeure rate, may apply under certain circumstances.  The contractual operating dayrate may also be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive due to a number of factors, including rig downtime or suspension of operations.  Several factors could cause rig downtime or a suspension of operations, including: equipment breakdowns and other unforeseen engineering problems, labor strikes and other work stoppages, shortages of material and skilled labor, surveys by government and maritime authorities, periodic classification surveys, severe weather or harsh operating conditions, and force majeure events.

In certain drilling contracts, the dayrate may be reduced to zero if, for example, repairs extend beyond a stated period of time.  Our contract backlog includes only firm commitments, which are represented by signed drilling contracts or, in some cases, other definitive agreements awaiting contract execution.  We may not be able to realize the full amount of our contract backlog due to events beyond our control.  In addition, some of our customers have experienced liquidity issues in the past, including some recently, and these liquidity issues could be experienced again if commodity prices decline for an extended period of time.  Liquidity issues and other market pressures could lead our customers to seek bankruptcy protection or to seek to repudiate, cancel or renegotiate these agreements for various reasons (see “—Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events, and, during depressed market conditions, our customers may seek

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to repudiate or renegotiate their contracts”).  Our inability to realize the full amount of our contract backlog may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We may not be able to renew or obtain new drilling contracts for rigs whose contracts are expiring or obtain drilling contracts for our stacked and idle rigs or our newbuild with a conditional agreement if the conditions thereof are not satisfied.

The offshore drilling markets in which we compete experience fluctuations in the demand for drilling services.  Our ability to renew expiring drilling contracts or obtain new drilling contracts depends on the prevailing or expected market conditions at the time of expiration.  As of February 12, 2021, we have 16 stacked or idle rigs and one rig under construction that has a drilling contract that is subject to a final investment decision by the customer and its partners.  We also have seven existing drilling contracts for our rigs that are currently operating, which are scheduled to expire before December 31, 2021.  We may be unable to obtain drilling contracts for our rigs that are currently operating upon the expiration or termination of such contracts or obtain a drilling contract for our newbuild unit with a conditional agreement in the event the conditions thereof are not satisfied, and there may be a gap in the operation of the rigs between the current contracts and subsequent contracts.  When oil and natural gas prices are low or it is expected that such prices will decrease in the future, we may be unable to obtain drilling contracts at attractive dayrates or at all.  We may not be able to obtain new drilling contracts in direct continuation with existing contracts or for our newbuild unit with a conditional agreement, or depending on prevailing market conditions, we may enter into drilling contracts at dayrates substantially below the existing dayrates or on terms otherwise less favorable compared to existing contract terms, which may have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events, and, during depressed market conditions, our customers may seek to repudiate or renegotiate their contracts.

Certain of our drilling contracts with customers may be cancelable at the option of the customer upon payment of an early termination payment.  Such payments may not, however, fully compensate us for the loss of the contract.  Drilling contracts also customarily provide for either automatic termination or termination at the option of the customer, typically without the payment of any termination fee, under various circumstances such as non-performance, as a result of significant downtime or impaired performance caused by equipment or operational issues, or sustained periods of downtime due to force majeure events, many of which are beyond our control.  Certain customers who seek to terminate our drilling contracts may attempt to defeat or circumvent our protections against certain liabilities.  Our customers’ ability to perform their obligations under their drilling contracts, including their ability to fulfill their indemnity obligations to us, may also be negatively impacted by an economic downturn.  Our customers, which include national oil companies, often have significant bargaining leverage over us.  If our customers cancel some of our contracts, and we are unable to secure new contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, or if contracts are suspended for an extended period of time or if a number of our contracts are renegotiated on terms that are not as favorable as current terms, it could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

During periods of depressed market conditions, such as we are currently experiencing, we are subject to an increased counterparty risk, as our customers may seek to repudiate their contracts, including through claims of non-performance in order to reduce their capital expenditures.  Our customers may no longer need a drilling rig that is currently under contract or may be able to obtain a comparable drilling rig at a lower dayrate.  We have experienced, and are at continued risk of experiencing, early contract terminations in a weak commodity price environment as operators look to reduce their capital expenditures.  The ability of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us, including indemnity obligations, will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the offshore drilling industry, prevailing prices for oil and natural gas, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, the dayrates received and the level of expenditures necessary to maintain drilling activities.  Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under an agreement with us, we could sustain losses, which could have an adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We must make substantial capital and operating expenditures to maintain our active fleet or to reactivate our stacked or idle fleet, and we may be required to make significant capital expenditures to maintain our competitiveness, to execute our growth plan and to comply with laws and applicable regulations and standards of governmental authorities and organizations.

We must make substantial capital and operating expenditures to maintain our active fleet or to reactivate our stacked or idle fleet.  These expenditures could increase as a result of changes in the cost of labor and materials, requirements of customers, the size of our fleet, the cost of replacement parts for existing rigs, the geographic location of the rigs and the length of drilling contracts.  Changes in offshore drilling technology, customer requirements for new or upgraded equipment and competition within our industry may require us to make significant capital expenditures in order to maintain our competitiveness and to execute our growth plan.  Changes in governmental regulations, including environmental requirements, and changes in safety or other equipment standards, as well as compliance with standards imposed by maritime self-regulatory organizations, may cause our capital expenditures to increase or require us to make additional unforeseen capital expenditures.  As a result of these factors, we may be required to take our rigs out of service for extended periods of time, with corresponding losses of revenues, in order to make such alterations or to add such equipment.  In the future, market conditions may not justify these expenditures or enable us to operate our older rigs profitably during the remainder of their economic lives.

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If we are unable to fund capital expenditures with our cash flows from operations or proceeds from sales of non-strategic assets, we may be required to either incur additional borrowings or raise capital through the sale of debt or equity securities, or additional financing arrangements with banks or other capital providers.  Our ability to access the capital markets may be limited by our financial condition at the time, perceptions of us or our industry, by changes in laws and regulations or interpretation thereof and by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control.  If we raise funds by issuing equity securities or other securities that are convertible into equity securities, existing shareholders may experience dilution.  Our failure to obtain the funds for necessary future capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Public health threats, such as COVID-19, have had, and may continue to have, significant adverse consequences for general economic, financial and business conditions, as well as for our business and operations.

Public health threats, pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of a novel strain of COVID-19, severe influenza, other coronaviruses and other highly communicable viruses or diseases, have impacted and may continue to impact our operations directly or indirectly, including by disrupting the operations of our business partners, suppliers and customers in ways that adversely impact our operations.  For instance, the outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic in March 2020 resulted in various actions by governmental authorities around the world to prevent or reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as imposing mandatory closures of all non-essential business facilities, seeking voluntary closures of such facilities and imposing restrictions on, or advisories with respect to, travel, business operations and public gatherings or interactions.  In addition, companies and individuals seeking to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have taken certain cautionary measures, such as companies around the world requiring employees to work remotely, suspending all non-essential travel worldwide for employees, and discouraging employee attendance at in-person work-related meetings, as well as individuals voluntarily social distancing and self-quarantining.  While many of these restrictions and measures have since been softened or lifted in varying degrees in different locations around the world, and there have been several COVID-19 vaccines recently approved by many governments that are expected to accelerate a recovery from the pandemic, the ultimate success of such vaccines is currently uncertain and resurgences in the spread of COVID-19 and other rapid developments with respect to the virus have prompted and may in the future prompt, the re-imposition of certain restrictions and measures.

These responses have significantly reduced global economic activity, as there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of businesses open for operation and a substantial reduction in the number of people across the world that have been going to work or leaving their house to purchase goods and services.  This has also resulted in airlines dramatically cutting back on flights and has reduced the number of cars on the road.  As a result, there has also been a sharp reduction in the demand for oil and a decline in oil prices.

We have taken similar precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk to our business, employees, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we operate.  Our operational employees generally are currently still able to work on site and on our rigs.  We have taken comprehensive and global precautionary measures with respect to such operational employees, such as requiring them to verify they have not either experienced any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or been in close contact with someone showing such symptoms before they are permitted to travel to the work site or rig, quarantining any operational employee on a rig who has shown signs of COVID-19, regardless of whether such employee has been confirmed to be infected, and imposing social distancing requirements in certain areas of the rig, such as in the dining hall and sleeping quarters, and are incurring incremental costs.  We are also actively assessing and planning for various operational contingencies; however, we cannot guarantee that any actions taken by us, including the precautionary measures noted above, will be effective in preventing either an outbreak of COVID-19 on one or more of our rigs or other adverse effects related to COVID-19.  To the extent an outbreak of COVID-19 develops on one or more of our rigs, we may have to temporarily shut down operations of such rig or rigs, which could result in significant downtime or contract termination and have substantial adverse consequences for our business and results of operations.  In addition, most of our non-operational employees are now working remotely, which increases various operational risks.  For instance, working remotely may increase the risk of security breaches or other cyber incidents or attacks, loss of data, fraud and other disruptions as a consequence of more employees accessing sensitive and critical information from remote locations.

Many governmental authorities across the globe have implemented travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine measures to prevent or reduce the spread of COVID-19, and in complying with such governmental actions, we have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, increased difficulties, delays and costs in moving our personnel in and out of, and to work in, the various jurisdictions in which we operate.  We may be unable to pass along these increased costs to our customers.  Additionally, disruptions to or restrictions on the ability of our suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to supply parts, equipment or services in the jurisdictions in which we operate or to progress the construction of our newbuild projects, whether as a result of government actions, labor shortages, the inability to source parts or equipment from affected locations, or other effects related to the COVID-19 outbreak, may have significant adverse consequences on our ability to meet our commitments to customers, including by increasing our operating costs and increasing the risk of rig downtime and could result in contract terminations.

Concerns over the prolonged negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on economic and business prospects across the world have also contributed to increased market and oil price volatility and have diminished expectations for the performance of the global economy.  These factors, coupled with the prospect of decreased business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak and the decline in, and steep increase in the volatility of, oil prices, have precipitated an economic downturn and likely a recession.  The current downturn and period of depressed oil prices has had and may continue to have significant adverse consequences

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for the financial condition of our customers or suppliers.  Such conditions have resulted in, and may continue to result in, reductions to our customers’ drilling and production expenditures and delays or cancellations of projects, thus decreasing demand for our services, and an increased risk that our customers may seek price reductions or more favorable economic terms for our services, terminate our contracts or that we may be required to idle, stack or retire more of our rigs.  Additionally, any early termination payment made in connection with an early contract termination may not fully compensate us for the loss of the contract.  Accordingly, the actual amount of revenues earned may be substantially lower than the reported contract backlog.  To the extent our suppliers experience a deterioration in financial condition or operational capability as a result of such depressed market and industry conditions or we or other suppliers incur delays in moving personnel to and from drilling rigs, we may experience disruptions in supply, which could increase our operating costs and increase rig downtime.  The occurrence of any such events with respect to our customers, contracts or suppliers in certain cases has had, and may continue to have, significant adverse consequences for our business and financial position.

The magnitude and duration of potential social, economic and labor instability resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, including how quickly national economies can recover once the pandemic subsides, or whether any recovery will ultimately experience a reversal or other setbacks, are uncertain and cannot be estimated at this time as such effects depend on future events that are largely out of our control.  The ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business and financial position will depend largely on future developments, including the duration, spread or containment of the outbreak, particularly within the geographic locations where we operate, and the related impact on overall economic activity, all of which are highly uncertain at this time.  We are unable to predict the timing or impact of any such restructurings, if completed, on the capital structure and competitive dynamics among offshore drilling companies.

Public and investor sentiment towards climate change, fossil fuels and other esg matters could adversely affect our business, cost of capital and the price of our stock and other securities.

There have been efforts in recent years, based on changing public sentiment concerning fossil fuels, aimed at the investment community, including investment advisors, sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds, universities and other groups, to promote the divestment of shares of energy companies, as well as to pressure lenders and other financial services companies to limit or curtail activities with energy companies.  These efforts have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as seen by the State of New York’s December 2020 announcement that it will be divesting the state’s Common Retirement Fund from fossil fuels.  If this or similar divestment efforts are successful, our stock price and our ability to access capital markets may be negatively impacted.

Members of the investment community are also increasing their focus on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosures, including practices and disclosures related to greenhouse gases and climate change, in the energy industry in particular, and diversity and inclusion initiatives and governance standards among public companies more generally.  As a result, we may face increasing pressure regarding our ESG disclosures and practices.  Additionally, members of the investment community may screen companies such as ours for ESG sustainability performance before investing in our stock.  Over the past few years there has also been an acceleration in investor demand for ESG investing opportunities, and many large institutional investors have committed to increasing the percentage of their portfolios that are allocated towards ESG investments.  As a result, there has been a proliferation of ESG focused investment funds seeking ESG oriented investment products.  If we or our securities are unable to meet the sustainability ESG standards or investment criteria set by these investors and funds, we may lose investors or investors may allocate a portion of their capital away from us, our cost of capital may increase, our stock price and the price of our publicly traded debt securities may be negatively impacted and our reputation may also be negatively affected.

We rely heavily on a relatively small number of customers and the loss of a significant customer or a dispute that leads to the loss of a customer could have an adverse effect on our business.

We engage in offshore drilling services for most of the leading integrated oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many government-owned or government-controlled oil companies and other independent oil companies.  For the year ended December 31, 2020, our most significant customers were Shell, Equinor and Chevron, accounting for approximately 28 percent, 27 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our total contract drilling revenues.  As of February 12, 2021, the customers with the most significant aggregate amount of contract backlog were Shell, Equinor and Chevron, representing approximately 53 percent, 23 percent and 13 percent, respectively, of our total contract backlog.  The loss of any of these customers or another significant customer, or a decline in payments under any of our drilling contracts, could, at least in the short term, have an adverse effect on our business.

Our operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in our operating revenues.

Our operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in our operating revenues.  Costs for operating a rig are generally fixed or only semi-variable regardless of the dayrate being earned.  In addition, should our rigs incur unplanned downtime while on contract or idle time between drilling contracts, we will not always reduce the staff on those rigs because we could use the crew to prepare the rig for its next contract.  During times of reduced activity, reductions in costs may not be immediate because portions of the crew may be required to prepare rigs for stacking, after which time the crew members may be reassigned to active rigs or released.  As our rigs are mobilized from one geographic location to another, the labor and other operating and maintenance costs can vary significantly.  In general, labor costs increase primarily due to higher salary levels and inflation.  Equipment maintenance costs fluctuate depending upon the type of activity the unit is performing and the age and condition of the equipment, and these costs could increase for short or extended periods as a result of regulatory or customer requirements that raise maintenance standards above historical levels.  The amount of contract

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preparation and reactivation costs vary based on the scope and length of the contract preparation or reactivation project, and the recognition of such costs varies depending on the duration of the firm contractual period and other contract terms.

Certain of our drilling contracts are partially payable in local currency.  The amounts, if any, of local currency received under these drilling contracts may exceed our local currency needs to pay local operating and maintenance costs, leading to an accumulation of excess local currency balances, which, in certain instances, may be subject to either restrictions or other difficulties in converting to U.S. dollars, our functional currency, or to other currencies of the locations where we operate.  Excess amounts of local currency may also be exposed to the risk of currency exchange losses.

Our business involves numerous operating hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be adequate to cover potential losses from our operations.

Our operations are subject to the usual hazards inherent in the drilling of oil and gas wells, such as, blowouts, reservoir damage, loss of production, loss of well control, lost or stuck drill strings, equipment defects, craterings, fires, explosions and pollution.  Contract drilling requires the use of heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous conditions, which may subject us to liability claims by employees, customers and other parties.  These hazards can cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental or natural resource damage, claims by third parties or customers and suspension of operations.  Our offshore fleet is also subject to hazards inherent in marine operations, either while on site or during mobilization, such as capsizing, sinking, grounding, collision, piracy, damage from severe weather and marine life infestations.

The South China Sea, the Northwest Coast of Australia and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are areas subject to typhoons, hurricanes or other extreme weather conditions on a relatively frequent basis, and our drilling rigs in these regions may be exposed to damage or total loss by these storms, some of which may not be covered by insurance.  The occurrence of these events could result in the suspension of drilling operations, damage to or destruction of the equipment involved and injury to or death of rig personnel.  Some experts believe global climate change could increase the frequency and severity of these extreme weather conditions.  Operations may also be suspended because of machinery breakdowns, abnormal drilling conditions, failure of subcontractors to perform or supply goods or services, or personnel shortages.  We customarily provide contract indemnity to our customers for certain claims that could be asserted by us relating to damage to or loss of our equipment, including rigs, and claims that could be asserted by us or our employees relating to personal injury or loss of life.

Damage to the environment or natural resources could also result from our operations, particularly through spillage of hydrocarbons, fuel, lubricants or other chemicals and substances used in drilling operations, or extensive uncontrolled fires.  We may also be subject to property damage, environmental indemnity and other claims by oil and natural gas companies or other third parties.  Drilling involves certain risks associated with the loss of control of a well, such as blowout, cratering, the cost to regain control of or redrill the well and remediation of associated pollution.  Our customers may be unable or unwilling to indemnify us against such risks.  In addition, a court may decide that certain indemnities in our current or future drilling contracts are not enforceable.  The law generally considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy, and the enforceability of an indemnity as to other matters may be limited.

Our insurance policies and drilling contracts contain rights to indemnity that may not adequately cover our losses, and we do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks.  We have two main types of insurance coverage: (1) hull and machinery coverage for physical damage to our property and equipment and (2) excess liability coverage, which generally covers offshore risks, such as personal injury, third-party property claims, and third-party non-crew claims, including wreck removal and pollution.  We generally have no hull and machinery insurance coverage for damages caused by named storms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.  We maintain per occurrence deductibles that generally range up to $10 million for various third-party liabilities, and we self-insure $50 million of the $750 million excess liability coverage through our wholly owned captive insurance company.  We also retain the risk for any liability that exceeds our excess liability coverage.  However, pollution and environmental risks generally are not completely insurable.

If a significant accident or other event occurs that is not fully covered by our insurance or by an enforceable or recoverable indemnity, the occurrence could adversely affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  The amount of our insurance may also be less than the related impact on enterprise value after a loss.  Our insurance coverage will not in all situations provide sufficient funds to protect us from all liabilities that could result from our drilling operations.  Our coverage includes annual aggregate policy limits.  As a result, we generally retain the risk for any losses in excess of these limits.  We generally do not carry insurance for loss of revenue, and certain other claims may also not be reimbursed by insurance carriers.  Any such lack of reimbursement may cause us to incur substantial costs.  In addition, we could decide to retain more risk in the future, resulting in higher risk of losses, which could be material.  Moreover, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that we consider reasonable or be able to obtain insurance against certain risks.

Failure to recruit and retain key personnel could hurt our operations.

We depend on the continuing efforts of key members of our management, as well as other highly skilled personnel, to operate and provide technical services and support for our business worldwide.  Historically, competition for the personnel required for drilling operations has intensified as the number of rigs activated, added to worldwide fleets or under construction increased, leading to shortages of qualified personnel in the industry and creating upward pressure on wages and higher turnover.  We may experience a reduction in the experience level of our personnel as a result of any increased turnover and ongoing staff reduction initiatives, which could lead to higher downtime and

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more operating incidents, which in turn could decrease revenues and increase costs.  If increased competition for qualified personnel were to intensify in the future we may experience increases in costs or limits on operations.

Our labor costs and the operating restrictions under which we operate could increase as a result of collective bargaining negotiations and additional unionization efforts.

Approximately 43 percent of our total workforce, primarily employed in Norway, Brazil and the U.K., are represented by, and some of our contracted labor work is subject to, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject to annual salary negotiation.  Negotiations over annual salary or other labor matters could result in higher personnel or other costs or increased operational restrictions or disruptions.  The outcome of any such negotiation generally affects the market for all offshore employees, not only the union members.  Furthermore, a failure to reach an agreement on certain key issues could result in strikes, lockouts, or other work stoppages.  Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress that could encourage additional unionization efforts in the U.S., as well as increase the chances that such efforts succeed.  Additional unionization efforts, if successful, new collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages could materially increase our labor costs and operating restrictions.

Our shipyard projects and operations are subject to delays and cost overruns.

As of February 12, 2021, we had under construction two ultra-deepwater drillships.  We also have a variety of other more limited shipyard projects at any given time.  These shipyard projects are subject to the risks of delay or cost overruns inherent in any such construction project resulting from numerous factors, including the following:

complications arising from pandemics and epidemics, such as the outbreak of a novel strain of COVID-19, severe influenza, other coronaviruses and other highly communicable viruses or diseases and associated government orders in the country where the rigs are being constructed or serviced and elsewhere;
shipyard availability, failures and difficulties;
shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor;
design and engineering problems, including those relating to the commissioning of newly designed equipment;
latent damages or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions;
unanticipated actual or purported change orders;
disputes with shipyards and suppliers;
failure or delayed deliveries of significant materials or equipment for various reasons, including due to supplier shortages, constraints, disruption or quality issues;
availability of suppliers to recertify equipment for enhanced regulations;
strikes, labor disputes and work stoppages;
customer acceptance delays;
customer delays in providing customer-supplied engineering, approvals or equipment;
adverse weather conditions, including damage caused by such conditions;
terrorist acts, war, piracy and civil unrest;
unanticipated cost increases; and
difficulty in obtaining necessary permits or approvals.

These factors may contribute to cost variations and delays in the delivery of our newbuild units and other rigs undergoing shipyard projects.  Cost variations may result in, among other things, disputes with the shipyards that construct or service our drilling units.  In addition, delayed delivery of our newbuild units or other rigs undergoing shipyard projects would impact contract commencement, resulting in a loss of revenues we could earn, and may also cause customers to terminate or shorten the term of the drilling contract for the rig pursuant to applicable late delivery clauses.  In the event of termination of any of these drilling contracts, we may not be able to secure a replacement contract on as favorable terms, if at all.

Our operations also rely on a significant supply of capital and consumable spare parts and equipment to maintain and repair our fleet.  We also rely on the supply of ancillary services, including supply boats and helicopters.  Our reliance on our suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to secure equipment, parts, components and sub-systems used in our operations exposes us to volatility in the quality, prices and availability of such items.  Certain parts and equipment that we use in our operations may be available only from a small number of suppliers, manufacturers or service providers, or in some cases must be sourced through a single supplier, manufacturer or service provider.  A disruption in the deliveries from our suppliers, manufacturers or service providers, capacity constraints, production disruptions, price increases, quality control issues, recalls or other decreased availability of parts and equipment or ancillary services could adversely affect our ability to meet our commitments to customers, adversely impact our operations, increase our operating costs and result in increases in rig downtime and delays in the repair and maintenance of our fleet.

Risks related to our indebtedness

We have a substantial amount of debt, including secured debt, and we may lose the ability to obtain future financing and suffer competitive disadvantages.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our total debt was $7.8 billion and $9.3 billion, respectively, of which $2.8 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively, was secured.  We have a bank credit agreement, as amended, that established a $1.3 billion secured revolving credit facility

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(the “Secured Credit Facility”), which is currently undrawn, the borrowings under which would be secured.  This substantial level of debt and other obligations could have significant adverse consequences on our business and future prospects, including the following:

we may be unable to obtain financing in the future to refinance our existing debt or for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, distributions, share repurchases, or other purposes;
we may be unable to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service the debt;
we could become more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including increases in interest rates, particularly given our substantial indebtedness, some of which bears interest at variable rates;
we may be unable to meet financial ratios in the agreements governing certain of our debt and finance lease or satisfy certain other covenants and conditions included in our debt agreements, which could result in our inability to meet requirements for borrowings under our credit agreement or a default under these agreements, impose restrictions with respect to our access to certain of our capital, and trigger cross default provisions in our other debt instruments;
if we default under the terms of our secured financing arrangements, the secured debtholders may, among other things, foreclose on the collateral securing the debt, including the applicable drilling units;
we may be unable to obtain new investment or financing given recent environmental, social and governance influenced trends among many financial intermediaries, investors and other capital markets participants in reducing, or ceasing, lending to, or investing in, companies that operate in industries with higher perceived environmental exposure; and
we may be less able to take advantage of significant business opportunities and to react to changes in market or industry conditions than our less levered competitors.

See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

Credit rating agencies have rated our debt below investment grade, which could limit our access to capital and have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

The ratings assigned to our debt securities by credit agencies (our “Debt Rating”) are below investment grade.  Our Debt Ratings could have adverse consequences for our business and future prospects and could cause the following:

limitations on our ability to access debt markets, including for the purpose of refinancing our existing debt, replacing or extending our Secured Credit Facility;
less favorable terms and conditions on any refinancing arrangements, debt issuances or bank credit agreements, some of which could require collateral and restrict, among other things, our ability to pay distributions or repurchase shares;
increases to certain fees under our Secured Credit Facility and interest rates under indentures governing certain of our senior notes, which in the case of the 6.375% senior notes due December 2021, the 3.80% senior notes due October 2022, and the 7.375% senior notes due December 2041, have already reached the maximum rate increase of 2 percent pursuant to the related indenture due to the downgrades of certain rating agencies;
reduced willingness of current and prospective customers, suppliers and creditors to transact business with us;
requirements from creditors, suppliers or customers for additional insurance, guarantees and collateral;
limitations on our access to bank and third-party guarantees, surety bonds and letters of credit; and
reductions to or eliminations of the level of credit suppliers and financial institutions may provide through payment terms or intraday funding when dealing with us thereby increasing the need for higher levels of cash on hand, which would decrease our ability to repay debt balances.

Our Debt Ratings have caused some of the effects listed above, and any further downgrades may cause or exacerbate, any of the effects listed above and could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Worldwide financial, economic and political conditions could restrict our ability to access the capital markets, reduce our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions and reduce demand for our services.

Worldwide financial and economic conditions could restrict our ability to access the capital markets at a time when we would like, or need, to access such markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions.  Worldwide economic conditions have in the past impacted, and could in the future impact, the lenders participating in our credit facilities and our customers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us.  If economic conditions preclude or limit financing from banking institutions participating in our credit facilities, we may not be able to obtain similar financing from other institutions.  A slowdown in economic activity could further reduce worldwide demand for energy and extend or worsen the recovery from low oil and natural gas prices.  These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  In addition, turmoil and hostilities in the Middle East, North Africa and other geographic areas and countries present incremental risk.  An extended period of negative outlook for the world economy could further reduce the overall demand for oil and natural gas and for our services.  A further decline in oil and natural gas prices or an extension of the current low oil and natural gas prices could reduce demand for our drilling services and have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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Risks related to laws, regulations and governmental compliance

Impact of increasingly stringent environmental and safety laws and our compliance with or breach of such laws can be costly, expose us to liability and could limit our operations.

Our business is affected by laws and regulations relating to the energy industry and the environment and safety, including international conventions and treaties, and regional, national, state, and local laws and regulations.  Our business also depends on demand for services from the oil and gas exploration and production industry, and, accordingly, we are directly affected by the adoption of laws and regulations that, for economic, environmental or other policy reasons, curtail, delay or impose additional compliance costs and obligations related to the exploration and development drilling for oil and gas.  Offshore drilling in certain areas has been curtailed and, in certain cases, prohibited because of environmental or safety concerns.  In addition, compliance with environmental and safety laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require us to make significant capital expenditures, such as the installation of costly equipment or implementation of operational changes, and may affect the resale values or useful lives of our rigs.  We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations or industry standards, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions, including greenhouse gases, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and implementation of emergency procedures and maintenance of insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents.  For instance, in the last decade, enhanced governmental safety and environmental requirements applicable to our operations were adopted by U.S. federal agencies for drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico have caused, and may in the future cause, operators to have difficulties obtaining drilling permits in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.  In addition, the oil and gas industry has adopted new equipment and operating standards, such as the American Petroleum Institute Standard 53, related to the installation and testing of well control equipment.  A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations.  Additionally, our customers may elect to voluntarily comply with any non-mandatory laws, regulations or other standards.

Any such safety, environmental and other regulatory restrictions or standards, including voluntary customer compliance with respect thereto, could decrease, disrupt or delay operations, decrease demand for offshore drilling services, increase operating costs and compliance costs or penalties, increase out-of-service time, decrease dayrates, or reduce the area of operations for drilling rigs in the U.S. and non-U.S. offshore areas.  Any such effects could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

To the extent new laws are enacted, existing laws are changed or other governmental actions are taken that prohibit or restrict offshore drilling or impose additional environmental protection and safety requirements that result in increased costs to the oil and gas industry, in general, or the offshore drilling industry, in particular, our business or prospects could be materially adversely affected.  The operation of our drilling rigs will require certain governmental approvals, some of which may involve public hearings and costly undertakings on our part.  We may not obtain such approvals or such approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner.  If we fail to timely secure the necessary governmental approvals or permits, our customers may have the right to terminate or seek to renegotiate their drilling contracts to our detriment.  The amendment or modification of existing laws and regulations or the adoption of new laws and regulations curtailing or further regulating exploratory or development drilling or production of oil and gas and compliance with any such new or amended legislation or regulations could have an adverse effect on our business or on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

As a contract driller with operations in certain offshore areas, we may be liable for damages and costs incurred in connection with oil spills or disposal of wastes related to those operations, and we may also be subject to significant fines and other liabilities in connection with spills.  For example, an oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal liability and remediation, restoration or compensation costs for environmental or natural resource damages, as well as third-party damages, to the extent that the contractual indemnification provisions in our drilling contracts are not enforceable or otherwise sufficient, or if our customers are unwilling or unable to contractually indemnify us against these risks.  Additionally, we may not be able to obtain such indemnities in our future drilling contracts, and our customers may not have the financial capability to fulfill their contractual obligations to us.  Also, these indemnities may be held to be unenforceable in certain jurisdictions, as a result of public policy or for other reasons.  Environmental and safety laws and regulations protecting the environment have become increasingly stringent and may in some cases impose strict liability on facility or vessel owners or operators, rendering a person liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence.  These laws and regulations may expose us to liability for the conduct of, or conditions caused by, others or for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were performed.  The application of these requirements or the adoption of new requirements or measures could have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Regulatory and various other risks, including litigation, associated with greenhouse gases and climate change could have an adverse impact on our business and demand for our services.

Scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, including greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contribute to warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes.  In response to such studies, the issue of climate change and the effect of greenhouse gas emissions, in particular emissions from the fossil fuel industry, has attracted considerable attention worldwide.  The attention to climate change has led, and we expect it to continue to lead, to additional regulations designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions domestically and internationally.  Such attention could also result in other adverse impacts for the oil and gas industry, including further restrictions or bans imposed by lawmakers, lawsuits by governments or third-parties seeking recoveries for damages resulting from the combustion of fuels that may contribute to climate change effects, or reduced interest from investors if they elect

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in the future to shift some or all of their investments to non-fossil fuel related sectors.  To the extent financial markets view climate change and greenhouse emissions as a financial risk, this could negatively impact our cost of or access to capital.  Because our business depends on the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, existing or future laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements related to greenhouse gases and climate change, or related political, litigation or financial risks, including incentives to conserve energy or use alternative energy sources, could have a negative impact on our business if such laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements reduce the worldwide demand for oil and gas or limit drilling opportunities.  In addition, such laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements or related risks could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, which may have an adverse effect on our business.  Further, some experts believe global climate change could increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions, the impacts of which could interfere with our operations, cause damage to our equipment as well as cause other financial and operational impacts, including those that could result from any impact of such conditions on our customers.

We could also face increased climate-related litigation with respect to our operations both in the U.S. and around the world.  Governmental and other entities in various U.S. states, such as California and New York, have filed lawsuits against coal, gas oil and petroleum companies.  These suits allege damages as a result of climate change, and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and abatement under various tort theories.  Similar lawsuits may be filed in other jurisdictions both in the U.S. and globally.  Though we are not currently a party to any such lawsuit, these suits present a high degree of uncertainty regarding the extent to which energy companies, including offshore drillers, face an increased risk of liability stemming from climate change, which risk would also adversely impact the oil and gas industry and impact demand for our services.

The global nature of our operations involves additional risks.

We operate in various regions throughout the world, which may expose us to political and other uncertainties, including risks of:

terrorist acts, war, piracy and civil unrest;
seizure, expropriation or nationalization of our equipment;
expropriation or nationalization of our customers’ property;
repudiation or nationalization of contracts;
imposition of trade or immigration barriers;
import-export quotas;
wage and price controls;
changes in law and regulatory requirements, including changes in interpretation and enforcement;
involvement in judicial proceedings in unfavorable jurisdictions;
damage to our equipment or violence directed at our employees, including kidnappings;
complications associated with supplying, repairing and replacing equipment in remote locations;
the inability to move income or capital; and
currency exchange fluctuations and currency exchange restrictions, including exchange or similar controls that may limit our ability to convert local currency into U.S. dollars and transfer funds out of a local jurisdiction.

Our non-U.S. contract drilling operations are subject to various laws and regulations in certain countries in which we operate, including laws and regulations relating to the import and export, equipment and operation of drilling units, currency conversions and repatriation, oil and gas exploration and development, taxation and social contributions of offshore earnings and earnings of expatriate personnel.  We are also subject to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and other U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations governing our international operations.  In addition, various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors have proposed or adopted divestment and other initiatives regarding investments including, with respect to state governments, by state retirement systems in companies that do business with countries that have been designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S. State Department.  Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to sanctions and export restrictions, may subject us to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions or seizures of assets.  Investors could view any potential violations of OFAC regulations negatively, which could adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares.

Governments in some countries have become increasingly active in regulating and controlling the ownership of concessions and companies holding concessions, the exploration for oil and gas and other aspects of the oil and gas industries in their countries, including local content requirements for participating in tenders for certain drilling contracts.  Many governments favor or effectively require the awarding of drilling contracts to local contractors or require nonlocal contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction or require use of a local agent.  In addition, government action, including initiatives by OPEC, may continue to cause oil or gas price volatility.  In some areas of the world, this governmental activity has adversely affected the amount of exploration and development work by major oil companies and may continue to do so.

The shipment of goods, services and technology across international borders subjects us to extensive trade laws and regulations.  Our import and export activities are governed by unique customs laws and regulations in each of the countries where we operate.  Moreover, many countries, including the U.S., control the import and export of certain goods, services and technology and impose related import and export recordkeeping and reporting obligations.  Governments also may impose economic sanctions against certain countries, persons and other entities that may restrict or prohibit transactions involving such countries, persons and entities, and we are also subject to the U.S. anti-boycott law.

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The laws and regulations concerning import and export activity, recordkeeping and reporting, import and export control and economic sanctions are complex and constantly changing.  These laws and regulations may be enacted, amended, enforced or interpreted in a manner materially impacting our operations.  Ongoing economic challenges may increase some governments’ efforts to enact, enforce, amend or interpret laws and regulations as a method to increase revenue.  Shipments can be delayed and denied import or export for a variety of reasons, some of which are outside our control and some of which may result from failure to comply with existing legal and regulatory regimes.  Shipping delays or denials could cause unscheduled operational downtime.

Our ability to operate worldwide depends on our ability to obtain the necessary visas and work permits for our personnel to travel in and out of, and to work in, the jurisdictions in which we operate.  Governmental actions in some of the jurisdictions in which we operate may make it difficult for us to move our personnel in and out of these jurisdictions by delaying or withholding the approval of these permits.  If we are not able to obtain visas and work permits for the employees we need to conduct our operations on a timely basis, we might not be able to perform our obligations under our drilling contracts, which could allow our customers to cancel the contracts.  If our customers cancel some of our drilling contracts, and we are unable to secure new drilling contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Failure to comply with anti-bribery statutes, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, could result in fines, criminal penalties, drilling contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 (“Bribery Act”) and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business.  We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices.  If we are found to be liable for violations under the FCPA, the Bribery Act or other similar laws, either due to our acts or omissions or due to the acts or omissions of others, including our partners in our various joint ventures and of the current or former officers, directors or employees of any companies we have acquired, we could suffer from civil and criminal penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or our consolidated financial position and results of operations.  In addition, investors could negatively view potential violations, inquiries or allegations of misconduct under the FCPA, the Bribery Act or similar laws, which could adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares.

We could also face fines, sanctions and other penalties from authorities in relevant jurisdictions, including prohibition of our participating in or curtailment of business operations in those jurisdictions and the seizure of rigs or other assets.  Additionally, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected as a result of claims by customers, agents, shareholders, debt holders, other interest holders, current or former employees or other constituents of our company who, in connection with alleged or actual noncompliance with antibribery and related laws, may seek to impose penalties, seek remedies, terminate drilling contracts or take other actions adverse to our interests.  Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected if we are required to dedicate significant time and resources to investigate and resolve allegations of misconduct, regardless of the merit of such allegations.  Further, disclosure of the subject matter of any investigation could adversely affect our reputation and our ability to obtain new business with potential customers, to retain existing business with our current customers, to attract and retain employees and to access the capital markets.

We are subject to investigations and litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse effect on us.

We are subject to a variety of disputes, investigations and litigation.  Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to and have been involved in litigation with certain of our customers and other constituents.  Certain of our subsidiaries are named as defendants in numerous lawsuits alleging personal grievances or injury, including as a result of exposure to asbestos or toxic fumes or resulting from other occupational diseases, such as silicosis, and various other medical issues that can remain undiscovered for a considerable amount of time.  Some of these subsidiaries that have been put on notice of potential liabilities have no assets.  Certain subsidiaries are subject to litigation relating to environmental damage.  Our patent for dual-activity technology has been successfully challenged in certain jurisdictions.  We are also subject to a number of significant tax disputes.  We cannot predict the outcome of the investigations and cases involving the Company or our subsidiaries or the potential costs to resolve them.  Insurance may not be applicable or sufficient in all cases, insurers may not remain solvent and policies may not be located.  Suits against non-asset-owning subsidiaries have and may in the future give rise to alter ego or successor-in-interest claims against us and our asset-owning subsidiaries to the extent a subsidiary is unable to pay a claim or insurance is not available or sufficient to cover the claims.  To the extent that one or more pending or future investigations or litigation matters is not resolved in our favor and is not covered by insurance, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks and threats as well as increasing regulation of data privacy and security.

We depend on data and digital technologies to conduct our offshore and onshore operations, to collect payments from customers and to pay vendors and employees.  Our data protection measures and measures taken by our customers and vendors may not prevent unauthorized access of information technology systems.  Threats to our information technology systems, and the systems of our customers and vendors, associated with cybersecurity risks and cyber-incidents or attacks continue to grow.  Threats to our systems and our customers’ and vendors’ systems may derive from human error, fraud or malice, social engineering on the part of employees or third parties, or may

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result from accidental technological failure.  In addition, breaches to our systems and systems of our customers and vendors could go unnoticed for some period of time.  Risks associated with these threats include disruptions of certain systems on our rigs; other impairments of our ability to conduct our operations; loss or ransom of intellectual property, proprietary information or customer and vendor data; disruption of our customers’ and vendors’ operations; misappropriation of assets; loss or damage to our customer and vendor data delivery systems; and increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate cybersecurity events.  A breach could also originate from, or compromise, our customers’ and vendors’ or other third-party networks outside of our control.  A breach may also result in legal claims or proceedings against us by our shareholders, employees, customers, vendors and governmental authorities, both U.S. and non-U.S.  If such a cyber-incident were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business or on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In addition, laws and regulations governing data privacy and the unauthorized disclosure of personal data and confidential information, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Law, as revised, of the Cayman Islands, the General Data Protection Law of Brazil and the California Consumer Privacy Act, pose increasingly complex compliance challenges and potential to elevate our costs.  Any failure by us to comply with these laws and regulations, including as a result of a security or privacy breach, could result in significant penalties, litigation and liabilities for us.  Additionally, if we acquire a company that has violated or is not in compliance with applicable data protection laws, we may incur significant liabilities and penalties as a result.

Acts of terrorism, piracy and political and social unrest could affect the markets for drilling services.

Acts of terrorism and social unrest, brought about by world political events or otherwise, have caused instability in the world’s financial and insurance markets in the past and may occur in the future.  Such acts could be directed against companies such as ours.  In addition, acts of terrorism, piracy and social unrest could lead to increased volatility in prices for crude oil and natural gas and could affect the markets for drilling services.  Insurance premiums could increase and coverage may be unavailable in the future.  Government regulations may effectively preclude us from engaging in business activities in certain countries.  These regulations could be amended to cover countries where we currently operate or where we may wish to operate in the future.  Our drilling contracts do not generally provide indemnification against loss of capital assets or loss of revenues resulting from acts of terrorism, piracy or political or social unrest.  We have limited insurance for our assets providing coverage for physical damage losses resulting from certain risks, such as terrorist acts, piracy, vandalism, sabotage, civil unrest, expropriation and acts of war, and we do not carry insurance for loss of revenues resulting from such risks.

Risks related to taxes

A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, of any country in which we have operations, are incorporated or are resident could result in a higher effective tax rate on our consolidated earnings and increase our cash tax payments.

We are subject to changes in applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate and earn income, and such changes could include laws or policies directed toward companies organized in jurisdictions with low tax rates with the intent to increase the tax burden.  Switzerland, for example, enacted tax reform in response to certain guidance from and demands by the EU and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the “OECD”) effective January 2022.  Similarly, the OECD issued its action plan of tax reform measures that called for member states to take action to prevent base erosion and profit shifting.  Some of these measures impact transfer pricing, requirements to qualify for tax treaty benefits, and the definition of permanent establishments depending on each jurisdiction’s adoption and interpretation of such proposals.  Respective countries have adopted various measures into their own tax laws.  In addition, the EU issued its Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives in 2016 and 2017 that required its member states to adopt specific tax reform measures starting in 2019.  Other tax jurisdictions in which we operate may consider implementing similar legislation.  Any material change to tax laws, treaties, regulations or policies, their interpretation or application, or the adoption of new interpretations of existing laws and rulings, in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate, are incorporated or resident, could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a significant adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

A loss of a major tax dispute or a successful tax challenge to our operating structure, intercompany pricing policies or the taxable presence of our key subsidiaries in certain countries could result in a higher effective tax rate on our consolidated earnings and increase our cash tax payments.

We are subject to tax laws, treaties and regulations in the countries in which we operate and earn income.  Our income taxes are based on the applicable tax laws and tax rates in effect in the countries in which we operate and earn income as well as upon our operating structures in these countries.  Our income tax returns are subject to review and examination in these jurisdictions, and we do not recognize the benefit of income tax positions we believe are more likely than not to be disallowed upon challenge by a tax authority.  If any tax authority successfully challenges our operational structure, intercompany pricing policies or the taxable presence of our key subsidiaries in certain countries; or if the terms of certain income tax treaties are interpreted in a manner that is adverse to our structure; or if we lose a material tax dispute in any country, our effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings could increase substantially and our earnings and cash flows from operations could be materially adversely affected.  For example, we believe that neither we nor our non-U.S. subsidiaries, other than those that report a U.S. trade or business or a U.S. permanent establishment, were or are engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. or, if applicable, maintained or maintain a permanent establishment in the U.S.  The determination of the aforementioned, among other things, involves considerable uncertainty.  If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) were to disagree, then we could be subject to additional U.S. corporate income and branch profits taxes on the portion of our earnings effectively connected to such U.S. business or, if applicable,

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attributable to such U.S. permanent establishment during the period in which this was considered to have occurred.  If this occurs, our effective tax rate on worldwide earnings for that period could increase substantially, we could be subject to assessments in previously filed returns that remain open to audit and our earnings and cash flows from operations for that period could be adversely affected.

U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a passive foreign investment company, which would have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.

A foreign corporation will be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of passive income or (2) at least 50 percent of the average value of the corporation's assets produce or are held for the production of those types of passive income.  For purposes of these tests, passive income includes dividends, interest and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and certain rents and royalties, but does not include income derived from performing services.

We believe that we have not been and will not be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year.  Our income from offshore contract drilling services should be treated as services income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC.  Accordingly, we believe that our income from our offshore contract drilling services should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income should not constitute passive assets.  There is significant legal authority supporting this position, including statutory provisions, legislative history, case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization, for other tax purposes, of income derived from services where a substantial component of such income is attributable to the value of the property or equipment used in connection with providing such services.  However, a prior case and an IRS pronouncement that relies on such case characterize income from time chartering of vessels as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes.  The IRS has subsequently formally announced that it does not agree with the decision in that case.  Moreover, we believe that the terms of the time charters in the prior case differ in material respects from the terms of our drilling contracts with customers.  However, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will accept our position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court could determine that we are a PFIC.

If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S. shareholders would face adverse U.S. tax consequences.  Under the PFIC rules, unless a shareholder makes certain elections available under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which elections could themselves have adverse consequences for the shareholder, the shareholder could be required to pay U.S. federal income tax at the highest applicable income tax rates on ordinary income upon the receipt of excess distributions, as defined for U.S. tax purposes, and upon any gain from the disposition of our shares, plus interest on such amounts, as if such excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of our shares.  Additionally, under applicable statutory provisions, the preferential tax rate on qualified dividend income, which applies to dividends paid to non-corporate shareholders, does not apply to dividends paid by a foreign corporation if the foreign corporation is a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year.

Risks related to our jurisdiction of organization and governing documents

As a Swiss corporation, our flexibility may be limited with respect to certain aspects of capital management AND swift implementation of certain initiatives or strategies.

Under Swiss law, our shareholders may approve an authorized share capital that allows the board of directors to issue new shares without additional shareholder approval within a period of up to two years and for up to a maximum of 50 percent of a company’s issued share capital.  The authorized share capital approved by our shareholders at the May 2020 annual general meeting will expire on May 7, 2022.  Our currently available authorized share capital is limited to approximately 29 percent of our issued share capital as of February 16, 2021.  Accordingly, shareholders at our annual general meeting in May 2021 may be requested to approve a renewal and an increase in authorized share capital.  Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, Swiss law grants preemptive rights to existing shareholders to subscribe for new issuances of shares.  Further, Swiss law does not provide as much flexibility in the various terms that can attach to different classes of shares as the laws of some other jurisdictions.  Swiss law also reserves for shareholder approval certain corporate actions over which a board of directors would have authority in some other jurisdictions.  For example, dividends must be approved by shareholders.  These Swiss law requirements relating to our capital management may limit our flexibility, and situations may arise where greater flexibility would have provided substantial benefits to our shareholders.

Distributions to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction and dividend distributions out of qualifying additional paid-in capital are not currently subject to the 35 percent Swiss federal withholding tax.  However, the Swiss withholding tax rules could also be changed in the future, and any such change may adversely affect us or our shareholders.  In addition, over the long term, the amount of par value available for us to use for par value reductions or the amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital available for us to pay out as distributions is limited.  If we are unable to make a distribution through a reduction in par value, or out of qualifying additional paid-in capital as shown on Transocean Ltd.’s standalone Swiss statutory financial statements, we may not be able to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.

Under Swiss tax law, repurchases of shares for the purposes of capital reduction are treated as a partial liquidation subject to a 35 percent Swiss withholding tax based on the difference between the repurchase price and the related amount of par value and the related amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital, if any.  At our 2009 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the repurchase of up to CHF 3.5 billion of our shares for cancellation under the share repurchase program.  If we repurchase shares, we expect to use an alternative procedure pursuant to which we repurchase shares via a “virtual second trading line” from market players, such as banks and

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institutional investors, who are generally entitled to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax.  The use of such “virtual second trading line” with respect to share repurchase programs is subject to the approval of the competent Swiss tax and other authorities.  We may not be able to repurchase as many shares as we would like to repurchase for purposes of capital reduction on the “virtual second trading line” without subjecting the selling shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.

We are required, from time to time, to evaluate the carrying amount of our investments in affiliates, as presented on our Swiss standalone balance sheet.  If we determine that the carrying amount of any such investment exceeds its fair value, we may conclude that such investment is impaired.  The recognized loss associated with such a non-cash impairment could result in our net assets no longer covering our statutory share capital and statutory capital reserves.  Under Swiss law, if our net assets cover less than 50 percent of our statutory share capital and statutory capital reserves, the board of directors must convene a general meeting of shareholders and propose measures to remedy such a capital loss.  The appropriate measures depend on the relevant circumstances and the magnitude of the recognized loss and may include seeking shareholder approval for offsetting the aggregate loss, or a portion thereof, with our statutory capital reserves, including qualifying additional paid-in capital otherwise available for distributions to shareholders, or raising new equity.  Depending on the circumstances, we may also need to use qualifying additional paid-in capital available for distributions in order to reduce our accumulated net loss and such use might reduce our ability to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding tax.

These Swiss law requirements could limit our flexibility to swiftly implement certain initiatives or strategies.

We are subject to anti-takeover provisions.

Our articles of association and Swiss law contain provisions that could prevent or delay an acquisition of the company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise.  Actions taken under such provisions may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our shares, and could, among other things:

provide that the board of directors is authorized, subject to obtaining shareholder approval every two years, at any time during a maximum two-year period, which under our current authorized share capital will expire on May 7, 2022, to issue a specified number of shares, which under our current authorized share capital is approximately 29 percent of the share capital registered in the commercial register as of February 16, 2021, and to limit or withdraw the preemptive rights of existing shareholders in various circumstances;
provide for a conditional share capital that authorizes the issuance of additional shares up to a maximum amount of approximately 22 percent of the share capital registered in the commercial register as of February 16, 2021, without obtaining additional shareholder approval through: (1) the exercise of conversion, exchange, option, warrant or similar rights for the subscription of shares granted in connection with bonds, options, warrants or other securities newly or already issued in national or international capital markets or new or already existing contractual obligations by or of any of our subsidiaries; or (2) in connection with the issuance of shares, options or other share-based awards;
provide that any shareholder who wishes to propose any business or to nominate a person or persons for election as director at any annual meeting may only do so if we are given advance notice;
provide that directors can be removed from office only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of the shares entitled to vote;
provide that a merger or demerger transaction requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of the shares represented at the meeting and provide for the possibility of a so-called cash-out or squeeze-out merger if the acquirer controls 90 percent of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting;
provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of shares must be taken at a duly called annual or extraordinary general meeting of shareholders;
limit the ability of our shareholders to amend or repeal some provisions of our articles of association; and
limit transactions between us and an “interested shareholder,” which is generally defined as a shareholder that, together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially, directly or indirectly, owns 15 percent or more of our shares entitled to vote at a general meeting.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.Properties

The description of our property included under “Item 1. Business” is incorporated by reference herein.  We maintain offices, land bases and other facilities worldwide, most of which we lease, including principal executive offices in Steinhausen, Switzerland, and corporate offices in Houston, Texas, and the Cayman Islands.  Our remaining offices and bases are located in various countries in North America, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

We have certain actions, claims and other matters pending as discussed and reported in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies” and “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Other Matters—Regulatory Matters” in this annual report on Form 10-K.  We are also involved in various tax matters as described in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary

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Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes” and in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Other Matters—Tax matters” in this annual report on Form 10-K.  All such actions, claims, tax and other matters disclosed therein are incorporated herein by reference.

As of December 31, 2020, we were involved in a number of other lawsuits, claims and disputes, which have arisen in the ordinary course of our business and for which we do not expect the liability, if any, to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  We cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any of the matters referred to above or of any such other pending or threatened litigation or legal proceedings.  There can be no assurance that our beliefs or expectations as to the outcome or effect of any lawsuit or claim or dispute will prove correct and the eventual outcome of these matters could materially differ from management’s current estimates.

In addition to the legal proceedings described above, we may from time to time identify other matters that we monitor through our compliance program or in response to events arising generally within our industry and in the markets where we do business.  We evaluate matters on a case by case basis, investigate allegations in accordance with our policies and cooperate with applicable governmental authorities.  Through the process of monitoring and proactive investigation, we strive to ensure no violation of our policies, Code of Integrity or law has, or will, occur; however, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of these matters.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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Information About Our Executive Officers

We have included the following information, presented as of February 16, 2021, on our executive officers for purposes of U.S. securities laws in Part I of this report in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.  The board of directors elects the officers of the Company, generally on an annual basis.  There is no family relationship between any of our executive officers.

Age as of

Officer

    

Office

    

February 16, 2021

 

Jeremy D. Thigpen (a)

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

46

Keelan Adamson (a)

Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer

51

Howard E. Davis

Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer

62

Brady K. Long

 

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

 

48

Mark L. Mey (a)

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

57

David Tonnel

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

 

51

(a) Member of our executive management team for purposes of Swiss law.

Jeremy D. Thigpen is President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company’s board of directors.  Before joining the Company in this position in April 2015, Mr. Thigpen served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at National Oilwell Varco, Inc. from December 2012 to April 2015.  At National Oilwell Varco, Inc., Mr. Thigpen also served as President, Downhole and Pumping Solutions from August 2007 to December 2012, as President of the Downhole Tools Group from May 2003 to August 2007 and as manager of the Downhole Tools Group from April 2002 to May 2003.  From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Thigpen served as the Director of Business Development and Special Assistant to the Chairman for National Oilwell Varco, Inc.  Mr. Thigpen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University in 1997, and he completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School in 2001.

Keelan Adamson is Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the Company.  Before being named to his current position in August 2018, Mr. Adamson served as Senior Vice President, Operations from October 2017 to July 2018 and as Senior Vice President, Operations Integrity and HSE, from June 2015 to October 2017.  Since 2010, Mr. Adamson served in multiple executive positions with responsibilities spanning Engineering and Technical Services, Major Capital Projects, Human Resources, and more recently, Operations Integrity and HSE.  Mr. Adamson started his career as a drilling engineer with BP Exploration in 1991 and joined Transocean in July 1995.  In addition to several management assignments in the U.K., Asia, and Africa, he also held leadership roles in Sales and Marketing, Well Construction and Technology, and as Managing Director for operations in North America, Canada and Trinidad.  Mr. Adamson earned a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from The Queens University of Belfast and completed the Advanced Management program at Harvard Business School in 2016.  Mr. Adamson also currently serves on the board of the National Ocean Industries Association.

Howard E. Davis is Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer of the Company.  Before joining the Company in this position in August 2015, Mr. Davis served as Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer of National Oilwell Varco, Inc. from March 2005 to April 2015 and as Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer from August 2002 to March 2005.  Mr. Davis earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Kentucky in 1980, and he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2005.

Brady K. Long is Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company.  Before being named to his current position in March 2018, Mr. Long served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel from November 2015 to March 2018.  From 2011 to November 2015, when Mr. Long joined the Company, he served as Vice President—General Counsel and Secretary of Ensco plc, which acquired Pride International, Inc. where he had served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since August 2009.  Mr. Long joined Pride International, Inc. in June 2005 as Assistant General Counsel and served as Chief Compliance Officer from June 2006 to February 2009.  He was director of Transocean Partners LLC from May 2016 until December 2016.  Mr. Long previously practiced corporate and securities law with the law firm of Bracewell LLP.  Mr. Long earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1996, a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1999 and an Executive LLM in Taxation from New York University in 2019.

Mark L. Mey is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.  Before joining the Company in this position in May 2015, Mr. Mey served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atwood Oceanics, Inc. from January 2015 to May 2015, prior to which he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from August 2010.  Mr. Mey was director of Transocean Partners LLC from June 2015 until December 2016.  He served as Director, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Scorpion Offshore Ltd. from August 2005 to July 2010.  Prior to 2005, Mr. Mey held various senior financial and other roles in the drilling and financial services industries, including 12 years with Noble Corporation.  He earned an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in South Africa in 1985, and he is a chartered accountant.  Additionally, Mr. Mey completed the Harvard Business School Executive Advanced Management Program in 1998.

David Tonnel is Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer.  Before being named to his current position in April 2017, he served as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain and Corporate Controller from October 2015 to April 2017, as Senior Vice President, Finance and Controller from March 2012 to October 2015 and as Senior Vice President of the Europe and Africa Unit from June 2009 to March 2012.  Mr. Tonnel served as Vice President of Global Supply Chain from November 2008 to June 2009, as Vice President of Integration and Process Improvement from November 2007 to November 2008, and as Vice President and Controller from February 2005 to November 2007.  Prior to February 2005, he served in various financial roles, including Assistant Controller; Finance Manager, Asia Australia Region; and Controller, Nigeria.  Mr. Tonnel joined the Company in 1996 after working for Ernst & Young in France as Senior Auditor.  Mr. Tonnel earned a Master of Science degree in Management from HEC in Paris, France in 1991.

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PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market for Shares of Our Common Equity

Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RIG.”  On February 16, 2021, we had 616,025,144 shares outstanding and 5,266 holders of record of our shares.

Shareholder Matters

Swiss tax consequences to our shareholders

Overview—The tax consequences discussed below are not a complete analysis or listing of all the possible tax consequences that may be relevant to our shareholders.  Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors in respect of the tax consequences related to receipt, ownership, purchase or sale or other disposition of our shares and the procedures for claiming a refund of withholding tax.

Swiss income tax on dividends and similar distributions—A non-Swiss holder is not subject to Swiss income taxes on dividend income and similar distributions in respect of our shares, unless the shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder.  However, dividends and similar distributions are subject to Swiss withholding tax, subject to certain exceptions.  See “—Swiss withholding tax on dividends and similar distributions to shareholders.”

Swiss wealth tax—A non-Swiss holder is not subject to Swiss wealth taxes unless the holder’s shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder.

Swiss capital gains tax upon disposal of shares—A non-Swiss holder is not subject to Swiss income taxes for capital gains unless the holder’s shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder.  In such case, the non-Swiss holder is required to recognize capital gains or losses on the sale of such shares, which are subject to cantonal, communal and federal income tax.

Swiss withholding tax on dividends and similar distributions to shareholders—A Swiss withholding tax of 35 percent is due on dividends and similar distributions to our shareholders from us, regardless of the place of residency of the shareholder, subject to the exceptions discussed under “—Exemption” below.  We will be required to withhold at such rate and remit on a net basis any payments made to a holder of our shares and pay such withheld amounts to the Swiss federal tax authorities.

Exemption—Distributions to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction or out of qualifying additional paid-in capital for Swiss statutory purposes are exempt from Swiss withholding tax.  On December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of par value of our outstanding shares was CHF 61.5 million, equivalent to approximately $69.5 million, and the aggregate amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital of our outstanding shares was CHF 13.5 billion, equivalent to approximately $15.3 billion.  Consequently, we expect that a substantial amount of any potential future distributions may be exempt from Swiss withholding tax.

Refund available to Swiss holders—A Swiss tax resident, corporate or individual, can recover the withholding tax in full if such resident is the beneficial owner of our shares at the time the dividend or other distribution becomes due and provided that such resident reports the gross distribution received on such resident’s income tax return, or in the case of an entity, includes the taxable income in such resident’s income statement.

Refund available to non-Swiss holders—If the shareholder that receives a distribution from us is not a Swiss tax resident, does not hold our shares in connection with a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland, and resides in a country that has concluded a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation with Switzerland for which the conditions for the application and protection of and by the treaty are met, then the shareholder may be entitled to a full or partial refund of the withholding tax described above.  Switzerland has entered into bilateral treaties for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to income taxes with numerous countries, including the United States (“U.S.”), whereby under certain circumstances all or part of the withholding tax may be refunded.  The procedures for claiming treaty refunds, and the time frame required for obtaining a refund, may differ from country to country.

Refund available to U.S. residents—The Swiss-U.S. tax treaty provides that U.S. residents eligible for benefits under the treaty can seek a refund of the Swiss withholding tax on dividends for the portion exceeding 15 percent, leading to a refund of 20 percent, or a 100 percent refund in the case of qualified pension funds.  As a general rule, the refund will be granted under the treaty if the U.S. resident can show evidence of the following: (a) beneficial ownership, (b) U.S. residency and (c) meeting the U.S.-Swiss tax treaty’s limitation on benefits requirements.

The claim for refund must be filed with the Swiss federal tax authorities (Eigerstrasse 65, 3003 Bern, Switzerland), not later than December 31 of the third year following the year in which the dividend payments became due.  The relevant Swiss tax form is Form 82C for companies, 82E for other entities and 82I for individuals.  These forms can be obtained from any Swiss Consulate General in the U.S. or from the Swiss federal tax authorities at the above address or can be downloaded from the webpage of the Swiss federal tax administration.  

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Each form must be completed in triplicate, with each copy duly completed and signed before a notary public in the U.S.  Evidence that the withholding tax was withheld at the source must also be included.

Stamp duties in relation to the transfer of shares—The purchase or sale of our shares may be subject to Swiss federal stamp taxes on the transfer of securities irrespective of the place of residency of the purchaser or seller if the transaction takes place through or with a Swiss bank or other Swiss securities dealer, as those terms are defined in the Swiss Federal Stamp Tax Act and no exemption applies in the specific case.  If a purchase or sale is not entered into through or with a Swiss bank or other Swiss securities dealer, then no stamp tax will be due.  The applicable stamp tax rate is 0.075 percent for each of the two parties to a transaction and is calculated based on the purchase price or sale proceeds.  If the transaction does not involve cash consideration, the transfer stamp duty is computed on the basis of the market value of the consideration.

Share repurchases

Shares repurchased for the purpose of capital reduction are treated as a partial liquidation subject to a 35 percent Swiss withholding tax based on the difference between the repurchase price and the related amount of par value and the related amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital, if any.  We would be required to remit on a net basis the purchase price with the Swiss withholding tax deducted to a holder of our shares and pay the withholding tax to the Swiss federal tax authorities.  However, for such repurchased shares, the portions of the repurchase price that are attributable to the par value and the qualifying additional paid-in capital for Swiss statutory reporting purposes are not subject to the Swiss withholding tax.

If we repurchase shares, we expect to use an alternative procedure pursuant to which we repurchase our shares via a "virtual second trading line" from market players, such as banks and institutional investors, who are generally entitled to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax.  The use of such “virtual second trading line” with respect to share repurchase programs is subject to approval of the competent Swiss tax and other authorities.  We may not be able to repurchase as many shares as we would like to repurchase for purposes of capital reduction on the “virtual second trading line” without subjecting the selling shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.  The repurchase of shares for purposes other than for cancellation, such as to retain as treasury shares for use in connection with stock incentive plans, convertible debt or other instruments within certain periods, are not generally subject to Swiss withholding tax.

Under Swiss corporate law, the right of a company and its subsidiaries to repurchase and hold its own shares is limited.  A company may repurchase its shares to the extent it has freely distributable reserves as shown on its Swiss statutory balance sheet in the amount of the purchase price and if the aggregate par value of all shares held by the company as treasury shares does not exceed 10 percent of the company’s share capital recorded in the Swiss Commercial Register, whereby for purposes of determining whether the 10 percent threshold has been reached, shares repurchased under a share repurchase program for cancellation purposes authorized by the company’s shareholders are disregarded.  As of February 16, 2021, Transocean Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, held as treasury shares four percent of our issued and outstanding shares as of such date.  Our board of directors could, to the extent freely distributable reserves are available, authorize the repurchase of additional shares for purposes other than cancellation, such as to retain treasury shares for use in satisfying our obligations in connection with incentive plans or other rights to acquire our shares.  Based on the number of shares held as treasury shares as of February 16, 2021, approximately six percent of our issued and outstanding shares could be repurchased for purposes of retention as additional treasury shares.  Although our board of directors has not approved such a share repurchase program for the purpose of retaining repurchased shares as treasury shares, if it did so, any such shares repurchased would be in addition to any shares repurchased under the currently approved program.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Total number of shares

Approximate dollar value

Total number

Average

purchased as part

of shares that may yet

of shares

price paid

of publicly announced

be purchased under the plans

Period

    

purchased

    

per share

    

plans or programs (a)

    

or programs (in millions) (a)

 

October 2020

$

 

$

3,663

November 2020

3,663

December 2020

3,663

Total

$

 

$

3,663

(a) In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase for cancellation any amount of our issued and outstanding shares for an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion.  At December 31, 2020, the authorization remaining under the share repurchase program was for the repurchase of our issued and outstanding shares for an aggregate cost of up to CHF 3.2 billion, equivalent to $3.7 billion.  The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by our board of directors or company management, as applicable, at any time.  See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Part II, Item 6 is no longer required as we have adopted certain provisions within the amendments to Regulation S-K that eliminate Item 301.

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Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following information should be read in conjunction with the information contained in “Part I. Item 1. Business,” “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.  The following discussion of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources includes comparisons for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.  For a discussion, including comparisons, of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, see “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2020.

Business

Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells.  As of February 16, 2021, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated 37 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh environment floaters.  As of February 16, 2021, we were constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.

We provide contract drilling services in a single, global operating segment, which involves contracting our mobile offshore drilling fleet, related equipment and work crews primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells.  We specialize in technically demanding regions of the offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services.  Our drilling fleet is one of the most versatile fleets in the world, consisting of drillships and semisubmersible floaters used in support of offshore drilling activities and offshore support services on a worldwide basis.

Our contract drilling services operations are geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration and development areas throughout the world.  Although rigs can be moved from one region to another, the cost of moving rigs and the availability of rig-moving vessels may cause the supply and demand balance to fluctuate somewhat between regions.  Still, significant variations between regions do not tend to persist long term because of rig mobility.  Our fleet operates in a single, global market for the provision of contract drilling services.  The location of our rigs and the allocation of resources to operate, build or upgrade our rigs are determined by the activities and needs of our customers.

Significant Events

Debt exchanges—On August 14, 2020, we issued $238 million aggregate principal amount of 2.50% senior guaranteed exchangeable bonds due January 2027 (the “Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) in non-cash private exchanges for $397 million aggregate principal amount of the 0.50% exchangeable senior bonds due January 2023 (the “Exchangeable Senior Bonds”) (collectively, the “Private Exchange”).  In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the Private Exchange, we recognized a gain of $72 million associated with the restructuring of debt.  See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

On September 11, 2020, we issued $687 million aggregate principal amount of 11.50% senior guaranteed notes due January 2027 (the “11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes”) in non-cash exchange transactions with the respective holders for $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of several series of our existing debt securities that were validly tendered and accepted for purchase (the “Exchange Offers” and, together with the Private Exchange, the “Exchange Transactions”), associated with the restructuring of debt.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the Exchange Offers, we recognized a gain of $355 million associated with the restructuring of debt.  See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

On February 26, 2021, we completed privately negotiated transactions to exchange $323 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $294 million aggregate principal amount of new 4.00% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds due 2025 (the “New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) and an aggregate cash payment of $11 million.  See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

Early debt retirement—On February 18, 2020, we made an aggregate cash payment of $767 million, including the make-whole premium, to redeem the outstanding 9.00% senior notes due July 2023 (the “9.00% Senior Notes”).  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $65 million associated with the retirement of redeemed debt.  See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we repurchased in the open market $147 million aggregate principal amount of certain of our debt securities and made an aggregate cash payment of $110 million.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate net gain of $36 million, associated with the retirement of repurchased debt.  See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

On November 9, 2020, we completed cash tender offers (the “2020 Tender Offers”) to purchase (i) any and all of the outstanding 6.50% senior notes due November 2020 and (ii) up to $200 million in aggregate purchase price of the 6.375% senior notes due December 2021, 3.80% senior notes due October 2022, the 5.375% senior secured notes due May 2023 (“5.375% Senior Secured Notes”) and the 7.25% senior notes due November 2025 (the “7.25% Guaranteed Notes”), subject to certain conditions specified in the related offer

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to purchase.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the 2020 Tender Offers, we made an aggregate cash payment of $222 million and recognized a gain of $135 million associated with the retirement of such notes.  See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

Debt issuances—On January 17, 2020, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% senior notes due February 2027 (the “8.00% Guaranteed Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $743 million, net of issue costs.  See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

Debt exchange litigation and purported notice of default—In September 2020, funds managed by, or affiliated with, Whitebox Advisors LLC (“Whitebox”) as holders of certain series of our notes subject to the Exchange Offers, filed a claim (the “Claim”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”) related to certain internal reorganization transactions (the “Internal Reorganization”) and the Exchange Offers.  Additionally, in September and October 2020, Whitebox and funds managed by, or affiliated with, Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) as debtholders, together with certain other advisors and debtholders, provided purported notices of alleged default with respect to the indentures governing, respectively, the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes and the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes.  Following our amendment of certain of our financing documents and certain internal reorganization transactions, we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.  See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

Customer settlement—In June 2020, we entered into a settlement and mutual release agreement with a customer, which provided for the final settlement of disputes.  In connection with the settlement, among other things, our customer agreed to pay us $185 million in four equal installments through January 15, 2023.  See “—Operating Results.”

Impairments—In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate loss of $556 million primarily associated with the impairment of one ultra-deepwater floater, two harsh environment floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets, which we determined were impaired at the time we classified the assets as held for sale.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $59 million, which had no tax effect, recorded in other, net, associated with the impairment of our investment in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (together with its subsidiary, “Orion”).  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $31 million associated with the impairment of our midwater asset group.  See “—Operating Results.”

Dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2020, we completed the sale of one ultra-deepwater floater, three harsh environment floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received $20 million in aggregate net cash proceeds.  See “—Operating Results” and “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Outlook

Drilling market—Since 2014, the industry has experienced a severe cyclical downturn of considerably longer duration than those previously observed.  Multiple years of volatile and generally weak commodity prices, exacerbated in 2020 by the effects of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic and production disputes among major oil producing countries, have resulted in our customers repeatedly delaying offshore investment decisions and postponing exploration and development programs. Some of our customers have also recently committed to invest or increase investment in low carbon and renewable energy resources, potentially reducing their expenditures in the development and production of hydrocarbons over the coming decades.  However, even in the context of some diversion of investment away from traditional sources of energy, the structural efficiency gains achieved by the offshore oil and gas segment in the past six years have materially improved the economics of deepwater offshore development projects, making the segment a competitive source of new supply.

We anticipate that the subdued level of contract activity will continue for at least the first half of 2021, although we believe that by the second half of 2021, our customers will again focus on favorable deepwater offshore economics and begin increasing their exploration, production and reserve replacement activities by restarting delayed projects and commencing new campaigns.  This depends on many variables, including global amelioration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of actions by some governments and regulators intended to curtail existing and future drilling activities, and other factors.  Ultimately, as the hydrocarbon supply-demand balance improves, including as the result of a post-pandemic global economic recovery, we expect a sustained improvement of oil prices, which will result in greater demand for our high-specification fleet of assets, resulting in further improvement of dayrates.

In markets requiring harsh environment floating drilling rigs, the limited supply of these specialized high-specification rigs has continued to result in strong utilization and dayrates.  In the ultra-deepwater markets, we have seen accelerated retirement of idle rigs, and with the anticipated consolidation of distressed drilling contractors, we expect additional retirements will reduce supply and improve utilization and dayrate metrics for high-specification assets.

As of February 12, 2021, our contract backlog was $7.8 billion compared to $8.2 billion as of October 14, 2020.  The risks of drilling project delays, contract renegotiations and contract terminations and cancellations have diminished as oil prices have improved and stabilized.

Fleet status—We refer to the availability of our rigs in terms of the uncommitted fleet rate.  The uncommitted fleet rate is defined as the number of uncommitted days divided by the total number of rig calendar days in the measurement period, expressed as a percentage.  An uncommitted day is defined as a calendar day during which a rig is idle or stacked, is not contracted to a customer or is not committed to

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a shipyard.  The uncommitted fleet rates exclude the effect of priced options.  As of February 12, 2021, uncommitted fleet rates for each of the five years in the period ending December 31, 2025 were as follows:

    

2021

    

2022

    

2023

    

2024

    

2025

 

Uncommitted fleet rate

Ultra-deepwater floaters

61

%  

74

%  

79

%  

83

%  

83

%

Harsh environment floaters

32

%  

55

%  

76

%  

97

%  

100

%

Performance and Other Key Indicators

Contract backlog—Contract backlog is defined as the maximum contractual operating dayrate multiplied by the number of days remaining in the firm contract period, excluding revenues for mobilization, demobilization, contract preparation, other incentive provisions or reimbursement revenues, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling revenues.  The contract backlog represents the maximum contract drilling revenues that can be earned considering the contractual operating dayrate in effect during the firm contract period.

The contract backlog for our fleet was as follows:

February 12,

October 14,

February 14,

 

   

2021

   

2020

   

2020

 

Contract backlog

(In millions)

 

Ultra-deepwater floaters

$

5,911

 

$

6,061

 

$

7,282

Harsh environment floaters

1,931

2,156

2,836

Midwater floaters

45

Total contract backlog

 

$

7,842

 

$

8,217

 

$

10,163

We believe our industry leading contract backlog sets us apart from the competition.  Our contract backlog includes only firm commitments, which are represented by signed drilling contracts or, in some cases, by other definitive agreements awaiting contract execution.  It does not include conditional agreements and options to extend firm commitments.  Our contract backlog includes amounts associated with our contracted newbuild unit that is currently under construction but excludes amounts related to the conditional agreement we have for our second newbuild unit under construction.  The contractual operating dayrate may be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive or an alternative contractual dayrate, such as a waiting-on-weather rate, repair rate, standby rate or force majeure rate, may apply under certain circumstances.  The contractual operating dayrate may also be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive because of a number of factors, including rig downtime or suspension of operations.  In certain contracts, the dayrate may be reduced to zero if, for example, repairs extend beyond a stated period of time.

Average contractual dayrate relative to our contract backlog is defined as the average maximum contractual operating dayrate to be earned per operating day in the measurement period.  An operating day is defined as a day for which a rig is contracted to earn a dayrate during the firm contract period after operations commence.

At February 12, 2021, the contract backlog and average contractual dayrates for our fleet were as follows:

For the years ending December 31,

 

    

Total

    

2021

    

2022

    

2023

    

2024

    

Thereafter

 

Contract backlog

(In millions, except average dayrates)

 

Ultra-deepwater floaters

 

$

5,911

 

$

1,306

 

$

1,047

$

948

$

861

$

1,749

Harsh environment floaters

1,931

794

714

384

39

Total contract backlog

 

$

7,842

 

$

2,100

 

$

1,761

$

1,332

$

900

$

1,749

Average contractual dayrates

Ultra-deepwater floaters

 

$

418,000

 

$

380,000

 

$

364,000

$

419,000

$

471,000

$

471,000

Harsh environment floaters

$

406,000

 

$

369,000

 

$

439,000

$

435,000

$

423,000

$

Total fleet average

$

415,000

 

$

375,000

 

$

391,000

$

424,000

$

468,000

$

471,000

The actual amounts of revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned will differ from the amounts and periods shown in the tables above due to various factors, including shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime and other factors that result in lower applicable dayrates than the full contractual operating dayrate.  Additional factors that could affect the amount and timing of actual revenue to be recognized include customer liquidity issues and contract terminations, which may be available to our customers under certain circumstances.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the volatility in oil prices in the year ended December 31, 2020, which have included precipitous drops in oil prices, could have significant adverse consequences for the financial condition of our customers.  This could result in contract cancellations, early terminations, customers seeking price reductions or more favorable economic terms, a reduced ability to ultimately collect receivables, or entry into lower dayrate contracts or having to idle, stack or retire more of our rigs.  See “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—Our current backlog of contract drilling revenues may not be fully realized.”

Average daily revenue—Average daily revenue is defined as contract drilling revenues, excluding revenues for contract terminations, reimbursements and contract intangible amortization, earned per operating day.  An operating day is defined as a calendar day

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during which a rig is contracted to earn a dayrate during the firm contract period after commencement of operations.  The average daily revenue for our fleet was as follows:

Years ended December 31, 

  

2020

    

2019

    

2018

 

Average daily revenue

Ultra-deepwater floaters

$

324,500

 

$

337,900

$

356,700

Harsh environment floaters

$

339,600

$

298,500

$

296,400

Deepwater floaters

$

$

$

186,700

Midwater floaters

$

111,400

 

$

118,400

$

99,900

High-specification jackups

$

$

$

152,900

Total fleet average daily revenue

$

327,500

 

$

313,400

$

296,200

Our average daily revenue fluctuates relative to market conditions and our revenue efficiency.  The average daily revenue may be affected by revenues for lump sum bonuses or demobilization fees received from our customers.  Our total fleet average daily revenue is also affected by the mix of rig classes being operated, as deepwater floaters, midwater floaters and high-specification jackups are typically contracted at lower dayrates compared to ultra-deepwater floaters and harsh environment floaters.  We no longer operate deepwater floaters, midwater floaters or high-specification jackups.  We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer.  We remove rigs from the calculation upon disposal or classification as held for sale, unless we continue to operate rigs subsequent to sale, in which case we remove the rigs at the time of completion or novation of the contract.

Revenue efficiency—Revenue efficiency is defined as actual contract drilling revenues, excluding revenues for contract terminations and reimbursements, for the measurement period divided by the maximum revenue calculated for the measurement period, expressed as a percentage.  Maximum revenue is defined as the greatest amount of contract drilling revenues, excluding revenues for contract terminations and reimbursements, the drilling unit could earn for the measurement period, excluding amounts related to incentive provisions.  The revenue efficiency rates for our fleet were as follows:

Years ended December 31, 

2020

    

2019

   

2018

 

Revenue efficiency

 

Ultra-deepwater floaters

97

%

99

%

96

%

Harsh environment floaters

95

%

95

%

94

%

Deepwater floaters

%

%

94

%

Midwater floaters

86

%

99

%

98

%

High-specification jackups

%

%

100

%

Total fleet average revenue efficiency

96

%

97

%

95

%

Revenue efficiency measures our ability to ultimately convert our contractual opportunities into revenues.  Our revenue efficiency rate varies due to revenues earned under alternative contractual dayrates, such as a waiting-on-weather rate, repair rate, standby rate, force majeure rate or zero rate, that may apply under certain circumstances.  Our revenue efficiency rate is also affected by incentive performance bonuses or penalties.  We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer.  We exclude rigs that are not operating under contract, such as those that are stacked.

Rig utilization—Rig utilization is defined as the total number of operating days divided by the total number of rig calendar days in the measurement period, expressed as a percentage.  The rig utilization rates for our fleet were as follows:

Years ended December 31, 

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 

Rig utilization

    

    

 

Ultra-deepwater floaters

59

%

51

%

48

%

Harsh environment floaters

73

%

78

%

82

%

Deepwater floaters

%

%

93

%

Midwater floaters

37

%

37

%

41

%

High-specification jackups

%

%

97

%

Total fleet average rig utilization

62

%

58

%

59

%

Our rig utilization rate declines as a result of idle and stacked rigs and during shipyard and mobilization periods to the extent these rigs are not earning revenues.  We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer.  We remove rigs from the calculation upon disposal, classification as held for sale.  Accordingly, our rig utilization can increase when idle or stacked units are removed from our drilling fleet.

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Operating Results

Year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019

The following is an analysis of our operating results.  See “—Performance and Other Key Indicators” for definitions of operating days, average daily revenue, revenue efficiency and rig utilization.

December 31, 

 

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

% Change

(In millions, except day amounts and percentages)

 

    

    

    

 

Operating days

9,169

 

9,872

(703)

(7)

%

Average daily revenue

$

327,500

$

313,400

$

14,100

4

%

Revenue efficiency

96

%  

97

%  

Rig utilization

62

%  

58

%  

Contract drilling revenues

$

3,152

$

3,088

$

64

2

%

Operating and maintenance expense

(2,000)

(2,140)

140

7

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

(781)

(855)

74

9

%

General and administrative expense

(183)

(193)

10

5

%

Loss on impairment

(597)

(609)

12

2

%

Loss on disposal of assets, net

(84)

(12)

(72)

nm

Operating loss

(493)

(721)

228

32

%

Other income (expense), net

Interest income

21

43

(22)

(51)

%

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

(575)

(660)

85

13

%

Gain (loss) on restructuring and retirement of debt

533

(41)

574

nm

Other, net

(27)

181

(208)

nm

Loss before income tax expense

(541)

(1,198)

657

55

%

Income tax expense

(27)

(59)

32

54

%

Net loss

$

(568)

$

(1,257)

$

689

55

%

“nm” means not meaningful.

Contract drilling revenues—Contract drilling revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the following: (a) $177 million resulting from the settlement of disputes in the year ended December 31, 2020, (b) approximately $110 million resulting from the reactivations of two ultra-deepwater floaters in Brazil in the year ended December 31, 2019, (c) approximately $55 million resulting from higher dayrates on our comparable active fleet, (d) approximately $50 million resulting from the operations of the harsh environment floater that we operate under a bareboat charter that commenced in August 2019, (e) approximately $37 million resulting from reimbursement revenues related to COVID-19, (f) approximately $30 million resulting from the early termination of a contract for the convenience of our customers and (g) approximately $25 million resulting from higher revenue efficiency on the comparable active fleet.  These increases were partially offset by the following decreases: (a) approximately $170 million resulting from rigs stacked, (b) approximately $140 million resulting from decreased activity on the comparable active fleet, (c) approximately $60 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale and (d) approximately $45 million resulting from lower reimbursement revenues unrelated to COVID-19.

Costs and expenses—Operating and maintenance costs and expenses decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $80 million resulting from rigs stacked, (b) approximately $75 million resulting from reduced shipyard, personnel and in-service maintenance costs on the comparable active fleet, (c) approximately $65 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale, (d) approximately $45 million resulting from resulting from lower customer reimbursable costs unrelated to COVID-19 and (e) approximately $40 million resulting from optimized onshore personnel costs.  These decreases were partially offset by the following increases: (a) approximately $70 million resulting from the operations of the harsh environment floater that we operate under a bareboat charter that commenced in August 2019, (b) approximately $65 million resulting from personnel and related costs associated with mitigating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and (c) approximately $30 million resulting from the reactivations of two ultra-deepwater floaters in Brazil in the year ended December 31, 2019.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to approximately $65 million resulting from rigs sold or classified as held for sale and approximately $20 million resulting from assets that had reached the end of their useful lives or had been retired, partially offset by approximately $20 million resulting from assets placed into service.

General and administrative expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $7 million resulting from personnel and other costs related to the integration of Ocean Rig UDW Inc. (“Ocean Rig”) in the year ended December 31, 2019, (b) approximately $5 million resulting from reduced legal and professional fees and (c) approximately $5 million resulting from reduced office rent expense.  These decreases were partially offset by the following

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increases: (a) approximately $5 million resulting from increased insurance costs and (b) approximately $3 million resulting from increased software licensing and subscription arrangements.

Loss on impairment or disposal of assets—In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss on the impairment of assets, including an aggregate net loss of $556 million associated with assets that we determined were impaired at the time we classified them as held for sale, a loss of $31 million associated with the impairment of our midwater floater asset group and a loss of $10 million associated with the impairment of other assets .  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized an aggregate loss of $583 million, primarily associated with certain assets that we determined were impaired at the time we classified them as held for sale, and an aggregate loss of $26 million associated with the impairment of right-of-use assets and leasehold improvements.

In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate loss of $61 million associated with the sale of one ultra-deepwater floater, three harsh environment floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized an aggregate gain of $4 million associated with the sale of six ultra-deepwater floaters, one harsh environment floater, two deepwater floaters and two midwater floaters, along with related assets.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized an aggregate loss of $23 million and $16 million, respectively, associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.

Other income and expense—Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a decrease of $155 million resulting from the debt retired, repaid or restructured, partially offset by an increase of $78 million primarily resulting from debt issued.

In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a net gain on restructuring and retirement of debt, primarily due to the following: (a) an aggregate gain of $427 million associated with the restructuring of debt in the Exchange Transactions, (b) an aggregate gain of $135 million associated with the retirement of $360 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities in the 2020 Tender Offers, (c) an aggregate gain of $36 million associated with the retirement of $147 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities repurchased in the open market, partially offset by (d) a loss of $65 million associated with the full redemption of the 9.00% Senior Notes due July 2023.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a net loss on retirement of debt, including a loss of $23 million resulting from the retirement of $434 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities repurchased in the open market and a loss of $18 million resulting from retirement of validly tendered notes (the “2019 Tendered Notes”).

Other expense, net, increased in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the following: (a) a gain of $132 million recognized in the prior year resulting from the termination of construction contracts, (b) a loss of $59 million recognized in the year ended December 31, 2020, associated with the impairment of our equity-method investment in Orion, (c) increased net periodic benefit costs of $14 million primarily from settlement of certain defined benefit plans in Norway, (d) increased loss of $10 million resulting from net changes in currency exchange rates and (e) a gain of $11 million recognized in the prior year resulting from the bargain purchase of Ocean Rig completed in the year ended December 31, 2018, partially offset by (f) increased income of $9 million related to our investment in Orion and (g) increased income of $5 million related to our dual-activity patent.

Income tax expense—In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, our effective tax rate was (5.1) percent and (4.9) percent, respectively, based on loss before income tax expense.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, discrete period tax items represented a net tax benefit of $91 million and $150 million, respectively.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we identified certain discrete items, such as losses on impairment and disposal of assets, gain on restructuring and retirement of debt, revenues recognized for the settlement of disputes, the loss on impairment of an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate, the carryback of net operating losses in the U.S. as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which included the release of valuation allowances previously recorded, settlements and expirations of various uncertain tax positions and accruals for withholding taxes.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we identified certain discrete items, such as losses on impairment and disposal of assets, settlements and expirations of various uncertain tax positions and adjustments to our deferred taxes for operating structural changes made in the U.S.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, our effective tax rate, excluding discrete items, was (23.4) percent and (30.7) percent, respectively, based on loss before income tax expense.  Our effective tax rate increased in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a decreased loss before income taxes, partially offset by tax benefits for the carryback of net operating losses in the U.S. as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which included the release of previously recorded valuation allowances, settlements and expirations of uncertain tax positions, and adjustments to our deferred taxes for operating structural changes in the U.S., offset by tax expense for an increase in the withholding tax rate in Angola and an increase in loss before income tax expense.

Due to our operating activities and organizational structure, our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our income before income taxes.  Significant decreases in our income before income taxes typically lead to higher effective tax rates, while significant increases in income before income taxes can lead to lower effective tax rates, subject to the other factors impacting income tax expense noted above.  With respect to the effective tax rate calculation for the year ended December 31, 2020, a significant portion of our income tax expense was generated in countries in which income taxes are imposed on gross revenues, with the most significant of these countries being Angola and India.  Conversely, the countries in which we incurred the most significant income taxes during this period that were based on income before income tax include the U.S., Switzerland, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Norway.  Our rig operating structures further

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complicate our tax calculations, especially in instances where we have more than one operating structure for the taxing jurisdiction and, thus, more than one method of calculating taxes depending on the operating structure utilized by the rig under the contract.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and uses of cash

At December 31, 2020, we had $1.2 billion in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $406 million in restricted cash and cash equivalents.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, our primary sources of cash were net cash proceeds from the issuance of debt and net cash provided by operating activities.  Our primary uses of cash were repayments of debt and capital expenditures.

Years ended

 

December 31, 

 

2020

   

2019

   

Change

 

(In millions)

 

Cash flows from operating activities

Net loss

$

(568)

 

$

(1,257)

 

$

689

Non-cash items, net

1,380

1,898

(518)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net

(414)

(301)

(113)

$

398

 

$

340

 

$

58

Net cash provided by operating activities increased primarily due to reduced operating activities and reduced cash paid for interest and taxes, partially offset by an aggregate cash payment of $125 million released from restricted cash accounts in June 2020 to satisfy our remaining obligations under the Plaintiff Steering Committee settlement agreement (the “PSC Settlement Agreement”).

Years ended

 

December 31, 

 

2020

   

2019

   

Change

 

(In millions)

 

Cash flows from investing activities

Capital expenditures

$

(265)

 

$

(387)

 

$

122

Proceeds from disposal of assets, net

24

70

(46)

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

(19)

(77)

58

Proceeds from maturities of unrestricted and restricted investments

5

123

(118)

Other, net

(2)

3

(5)

$

(257)

 

$

(268)

 

$

11

Net cash used in investing activities decreased primarily due to (a) reduced capital expenditures and (b) reduced investments in unconsolidated affiliates, including Orion and certain companies involved in, among other things, researching and developing technology to improve efficiency and reliability and to increase automation, sustainability and safety, partially offset by (c) reduced proceeds from maturities of restricted and unrestricted investments and (d) reduced proceeds from disposal of assets, net of costs to sell.

Years ended

 

December 31, 

 

2020

    

2019

    

Change

 

(In millions)

 

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of discounts and issue costs

$

743

$

1,056

$

(313)

Repayments of debt

(1,637)

(1,325)

(312)

Other, net

(36)

(43)

7

$

(930)

 

$

(312)

 

$

(618)

Net cash used in financing activities increased primarily due to (a) reduced net cash proceeds from the issuance of the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the net cash proceeds from the issuance of the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes and the 6.875% senior secured notes due February 2027 (“6.875% Senior Secured Notes”) in the prior year and (b) increased cash used to repay debt as a result of the full redemption of the 9.00% Senior Notes, the 2020 Tender Offers and our open market repurchases in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the cash used to repay debt related to the 2019 Tendered Notes and our open market repurchases in the prior year.

Sources and uses of liquidity

Overview—We expect to use existing unrestricted cash balances, internally generated cash flows, borrowings under the Secured Credit Facility, proceeds from the disposal of assets or proceeds from the issuance of additional debt or equity to fulfill anticipated obligations, which may include capital expenditures, working capital and other operational requirements, scheduled debt maturities or other payments.  We may consider establishing additional financing arrangements with banks or other capital providers or issuing shares from our authorized share capital.  Subject to market conditions and other factors, we may be required to provide collateral for any future financing arrangements.  

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We continue to evaluate additional potential liability management transactions in connection with our ongoing efforts to prudently manage our capital structure and improve our liquidity.  In each case subject to then existing market conditions and our expected liquidity needs, among other factors, we may continue to use existing unrestricted cash balances, internally generated cash flows and proceeds from asset sales to pursue liability management transactions, including among others, purchasing or exchanging one or more existing series of our debt securities in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through tender offers or exchange offers.  Any future purchases, exchanges or other transactions may be on the same terms or on terms that are more or less favorable to holders than the terms of any prior transaction, including the Exchange Transactions.  There can be no assurance as to which, if any, of these alternatives, or combinations thereof, we may choose to pursue in the future, if at all, or as to the timing with respect to any future transactions.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the volatility in oil prices could have significant adverse consequences for general economic, financial and business conditions, as well as for our business and financial position and the business and financial position of our customers and suppliers and may, among other things, impact our ability to generate cash flows from operations, access the capital markets on acceptable terms or at all, and affect our future need or ability to borrow under our Secured Credit Facility.  In addition to our potential sources of funding, the effects of such global events may impact our liquidity or need to alter our allocation or sources of capital, implement further cost reduction measures and change our financial strategy.  Although the COVID-19 pandemic and the volatility in oil prices could have a broad range of effects on our sources and uses of liquidity, the ultimate effect thereon, if any, will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted at this time.

Our internally generated cash flows are directly related to our business and the market sectors in which we operate.  We have generated positive cash flows from operating activities over recent years and, although we cannot provide assurances, we currently expect that such cash flows will continue to be positive over the next year.  However, among other factors, if the drilling market deteriorates, or if we experience poor operating results, or if we incur expenses to, for example, reactivate, stack or otherwise assure the marketability of our fleet, cash flows from operations may be reduced or negative.

Our access to debt and equity markets is currently limited due to a variety of events, including, among others, general economic conditions, industry conditions, market conditions and market perceptions of us and our industry and credit rating agencies’ views of our debt.  The rating of the majority of our long-term debt (“Debt Rating”) is below investment grade.  The Debt Rating is causing us to experience increased fees and interest rates under our Secured Credit Facility and agreements governing certain of our senior notes.  Future downgrades may further restrict our ability to access the debt market for sources of capital and may negatively impact the cost of such capital at a time when we would like, or need, to access such markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions.  An economic downturn like the one we are currently experiencing could have an impact on the lenders participating in our credit facilities or on our customers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us.

Debt exchange litigation and purported notice of default—Prior to the consummation of the Exchange Transactions, we completed the Internal Reorganization.  In September 2020, funds managed by, or affiliated with Whitebox as holders of certain series of our notes subject to the Exchange Offers, filed the Claim in the Court related to the Internal Reorganization and the Exchange Offers.  Additionally, in September and October 2020, Whitebox and funds managed by, or affiliated with, PIMCO as debtholders, together with certain other advisors and debtholders, provided purported notices of alleged default with respect to the indentures governing, respectively, the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes and the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes.

On September 23, 2020, we filed an answer to the Claim with the Court and asserted counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that, among other matters, the Internal Reorganization did not cause a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes.  Concurrently, with our answer and counterclaims, we also submitted a motion for summary judgment seeking an expedited judgment on our request for declaratory judgment.  Whitebox subsequently submitted a cross-motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of our counterclaims.  On November 30, 2020, while awaiting the Court’s ruling on our motion for summary judgment, we amended certain of our financing documents and implemented certain internal reorganization transactions, which resolved the allegations contained in the purported notices of default.  On December 17, 2020, the Court issued its ruling granting our motion for summary judgment and denying the plaintiff’s cross-motion for summary judgment, holding, among other matters, that the allegations contained in the purported notice of default did not constitute a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes.  Whitebox has appealed the Court’s ruling.

The facts alleged in the purported notice of default under the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes were the same as the facts underlying the Claim and the purported notice of default under the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes.  Accordingly, following the amendment and internal reorganization transactions on November 30, 2020, and the subsequent ruling from the Court granting our motion for summary judgment, we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Debt exchanges—On August 14, 2020, we issued $238 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds in the Private Exchange for $397 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds.  The Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transocean Inc.  We may redeem all or a portion of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds (i) on or after August 14, 2022, if certain conditions related to the price of our shares have been satisfied, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount and (ii) on or after August 14, 2023, at specified redemption prices.  The indenture that governs the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur certain liens on our drilling units without equally and ratably securing the notes,

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engage in certain sale and lease back transactions covering any of our drilling units, allow our subsidiaries to incur certain additional debt, and consolidate, merge or enter into a scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation.  The indenture that governs the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds also requires such bonds to be repurchased upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes and events, at specified prices depending on the particular fundamental change or event, which include changes and events related to certain (i) change of control events applicable to Transocean Ltd. or Transocean Inc., (ii) the failure of our shares to be listed or quoted on a national securities exchange and (iii) specified tax matters.  The Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds may be converted at any time prior to the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date or the redemption date at a current exchange rate of 162.1626 Transocean Ltd. shares per $1,000 note, which implies an initial conversion price of $6.17 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.

On September 11, 2020, we issued $687 million aggregate principal amount of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes in the Exchange Offers, pursuant to an exchange offer memorandum, dated August 10, 2020, as supplemented, for an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of several series of our existing debt securities that were validly tendered and accepted for purchase.  The 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transocean Inc.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes prior to July 30, 2023 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.  We may also use the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings by Transocean Ltd. to redeem, on one or more occasions prior to July 30, 2023, up to a maximum of 40 percent of the original aggregate principal amount of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes, subject to certain adjustments, at a redemption price equal to 111.50 percent of the aggregate principal amount.  The indenture that governs the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur certain liens on our drilling units without equally and ratably securing the notes, engage in certain sale and lease back transactions covering any of our drilling units, allow our subsidiaries to incur certain additional debt, make certain internal transfers of our drilling units and consolidate, merge or enter into a scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation.

On February 26, 2021, we completed privately negotiated transactions to exchange $323 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $294 million aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and an aggregate cash payment of $11 million.  The New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds are guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and the same subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. that guarantee the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes.  In addition, the New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds have an initial exchange rate of 190.4762 Transocean Ltd. shares per $1,000 note, which implies a conversion price of $5.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.

Secured Credit Facility—As of December 31, 2020, we have a bank credit agreement, as amended from time to time, that established our $1.3 billion secured revolving credit facility (“Secured Credit Facility”), which is scheduled to expire on June 22, 2023.  The Secured Credit Facility is guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain subsidiaries.  The Secured Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a lien on the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Asgard, Deepwater Corcovado, Deepwater Invictus, Deepwater Mykonos, Deepwater Orion, Deepwater Skyros, Development Driller III, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2 and Discoverer Inspiration and the harsh environment floaters Transocean Barents and Transocean Spitsbergen.  The maximum borrowing capacity will be reduced to $1.0 billion if, and so long as, our leverage ratio, measured as the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, exceeds 10.00 to 1.00.  The Secured Credit Facility contains covenants that, among other things, include maintenance of certain guarantee and collateral coverage ratios, a maximum debt to capitalization ratio of 0.60 to 1.00 and minimum liquidity of $500 million.  The Secured Credit Facility also restricts the ability of Transocean Ltd. and certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things, merge, consolidate or otherwise make changes to the corporate structure, incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates and pay dividends and other distributions.  In order to borrow under the Secured Credit Facility, we must, at the time of the borrowing request, not be in default under the Secured Credit Facility and make certain representations and warranties, including with respect to compliance with laws and solvency, to the lenders.  Repayment of borrowings under the Secured Credit Facility are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default.  Under the agreements governing certain of our debt and finance lease, we are also subject to various covenants, including restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in certain merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions.  A default under our public debt indentures, the agreements governing our senior secured notes, our finance lease contract or any other debt owed to unaffiliated entities that exceeds $125 million could trigger a default under the Secured Credit Facility and, if not waived by the lenders, could cause us to lose access to the Secured Credit Facility.  At February 16, 2021, we had no borrowings outstanding, $24 million of letters of credit issued, and we had $1.3 billion of available borrowing capacity under the Secured Credit Facility.

Debt issuances—On January 17, 2020, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.00% Guaranteed Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $743 million, net of issue costs.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes on or prior to February 1, 2023 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

On February 1, 2019, we issued $550 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Secured Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $539 million, net of discount and issue costs.  The indenture that governs the 6.875% Senior Secured Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rig Deepwater Poseidon to declare or pay dividends to their affiliates.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 6.875% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to February 1,

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2022 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

On May 24, 2019, we issued $525 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $517 million, net of discount and issue costs.  The indenture that governs the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rigs Transocean Endurance and Transocean Equinox to declare or pay dividends to their affiliates.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to May 15, 2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

Early debt retirement—On January 17, 2020, we provided a notice to redeem in full our outstanding 9.00% Senior Notes.  On February 18, 2020, we made a payment of $767 million, including the make-whole premium, to redeem the 9.00% Senior Notes, and in the three months ending March 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $65 million associated with the retirement of redeemed debt.  On November 9, 2020, we completed the 2020 Tender Offers.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the 2020 Tender Offers, we made an aggregate cash payment of $222 million to settle the validly tendered notes.

On February 5, 2019, we completed the cash tender offers (“2019 Tender Offers”) to purchase for cash up to $700 million aggregate purchase price of the 2019 Tendered Notes, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the related offer to purchase.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, as a result of the 2019 Tender Offers, we made an aggregate cash payment of $522 million to settle the validly tendered 2019 Tendered Notes.  In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we repurchased in the open market $434 million and $95 million aggregate principal amount of our debt securities, respectively, for an aggregate cash payment of $449 million and $95 million, respectively.

Equity investments—In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we made an aggregate cash investment of $19 million and $77 million, respectively, in noncontrolling ownership interests in certain unconsolidated affiliates.  The most significant of our equity investments is a 33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion, the company that, through its wholly owned subsidiary, owns the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge.  We expect to make an additional $33 million cash contribution to Orion in the first half of 2021.  We also hold equity investments in certain companies that are involved in researching and developing technology to improve efficiency and reliability and to increase automation, sustainability and safety in drilling and other activities.

Litigation settlements—On May 29, 2015, together with the Plaintiff Steering Committee, we filed the PSC Settlement Agreement in which we agreed to deposit $212 million into an escrow account established to be allocated to two classes of plaintiffs in exchange for a release from all claims against us for damages related to the Macondo well incident.  On February 15, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (the “MDL Court”) entered a final order and judgment approving the PSC Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which we made the required cash deposits into escrow accounts established for settlement.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the MDL Court released $125 million and $33 million, respectively, from the escrow account to satisfy our remaining obligations under the PSC Settlement Agreement.

Share repurchase program—In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase an amount of our shares for cancellation with an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion.  On February 12, 2010, our board of directors authorized our management to implement the share repurchase program.  At December 31, 2020, the authorization remaining under the share repurchase program was for the repurchase of up to CHF 3.2 billion, equivalent to approximately $3.7 billion, of our outstanding shares.  We intend to fund any repurchases using available cash balances and cash from operating activities.  The share repurchase program could be suspended or discontinued by our board of directors or company management, as applicable, at any time.  We may decide, based on our ongoing capital requirements, the price of our shares, regulatory and tax considerations, cash flow generation, the amount and duration of our contract backlog, general market conditions, debt rating considerations and other factors, that we should retain cash, reduce debt, make capital investments or acquisitions or otherwise use cash for general corporate purposes.  Decisions regarding the amount, if any, and timing of any share repurchases will be made from time to time based on these factors.  Any repurchased shares under the share repurchase program would be held by us for cancellation by the shareholders at a future general meeting of shareholders.  See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Shareholder Matters.”

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Contractual obligations—At December 31, 2020, our contractual obligations stated at face value, were as follows:

For the years ending December 31,

 

 

Total

    

2021

    

2022 - 2023

    

2024 - 2025

    

Thereafter

 

(in millions)

 

Debt

$

7,866

 

$

516

 

$

1,655

 

$

1,705

 

$

3,990

Interest on debt

2,763

414

730

561

1,058

Finance lease liability

611

71

142

142

256

Operating lease liabilities

191

13

27

26

125

Purchase obligations

934

933

1

Service agreement obligations

903

103

237

256

307

Total (a)

$

13,268

 

$

2,050

 

$

2,792

 

$

2,690

 

$

5,736

(a) As of December 31, 2020, our defined benefit pension and other postemployment plans represented an aggregate liability of $277 million, representing the aggregate projected benefit obligation, net of the aggregate fair value of plan assets.  The carrying amount of this liability is influenced by, among others, significant current and future assumptions, funding contributions, returns on plan assets, participant demographics, and plan amendments.  We excluded this amount from our contractual obligations presented above due to the uncertainties resulting from these factors and because the amount is not representative of future liquidity requirements.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12—Postemployment Benefit Plans.

As of December 31, 2020, we have unrecognized tax benefits of $419 million, including interest and penalties, of which $261 million are netted against net operating loss deferred tax assets resulting in net unrecognized tax benefits of $158 million, including interest and penalties, that upon reversal would favorably impact our effective tax rate.  Although a portion of these might settle or reverse in the coming year, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with the liabilities recognized in this balance, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities, and we excluded this amount from the contractual obligations presented in the table above.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes.

Other commercial commitments—We have other commercial commitments that we are contractually obligated to fulfill with cash under certain circumstances.  These commercial commitments include standby letters of credit and surety bonds that guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, insurance, customs, tax and other obligations in various jurisdictions.  The obligations under these standby letters of credit and surety bonds are primarily geographically concentrated in Brazil.  Such obligations are not normally called, as we typically comply with the underlying performance requirement.  Standby letters of credit are issued under various committed and uncommitted credit lines, some of which require cash collateral.  At December 31, 2020, the aggregate cash collateral held by banks for letters of credit and surety bonds was $8 million.

At December 31, 2020, these obligations stated in U.S. dollar equivalents and their time to expiration were as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31, 

 

 

Total

    

2021

    

2022 - 2023

    

2024 - 2025

    

Thereafter

 

 

(in millions)

 

Standby letters of credit

$

24

 

$

11

$

13

$

$

Surety bonds

153

1

37

115

Total

$

177

 

$

12

$

50

$

115

$

We have established a wholly owned captive insurance company to insure various risks of our operating subsidiaries.  Access to the cash and cash equivalents of the captive insurance company may be limited due to local regulatory restrictions.  At December 31, 2020, the captive insurance company held cash and cash equivalents of $34 million, and such balance is expected to range from $30 million to $55 million through December 31, 2021.  The balance of the cash and cash equivalents held by the captive insurance company varies, depending on (i) premiums received and (ii) the timing and magnitude of claims and dividends paid by the captive insurance company.

Drilling fleet

Expansion—From time to time, we review possible acquisitions of businesses and drilling rigs and may make significant future capital commitments for such purposes.  We may also consider investments related to major rig upgrades, new rig construction, or the acquisition of a rig under construction.  We may commit to such investment without first obtaining customer contracts.  Any acquisition, upgrade or new rig construction could involve the payment by us of a substantial amount of cash or the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares or other securities.  Our failure to secure drilling contracts for rigs under construction could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows.

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In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we made capital expenditures of $265 million and $387 million, respectively, including $143 million and $129 million, respectively, for our major construction projects.  The historical and projected capital expenditures and non-cash capital additions for our ongoing major construction projects were as follows:

Total costs

through

 

December 31, 

For the years ending December 31,

 

 

2020

  

2021

  

2022

  

2023

Total

  

(In millions)

 

Deepwater Atlas (a)

$

369

$

619

$

97

$

10

$

1,095

Deepwater Titan (b)

412

650

108

1,170

Total

$

781

 

$

1,269

 

$

205

 

$

10

 

$

2,265

(a) Deepwater Atlas, an ultra-deepwater drillship under construction at the Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd. in Singapore has received an agreement for drilling services, subject to a final investment decision by the customer and its partners.  If the conditions are satisfied, the newbuild unit is expected to commence operations under the drilling contract in the first half of 2022.  The projected capital additions include estimates for one 20,000 pounds per square inch blowout preventer and other equipment required by the customer, some of which will be delivered and commissioned in the year ending December 31, 2023, subsequent to placing the rig in service.  We will only commit to these incremental capital expenditures with the backing of a firm commitment by the customer.
(b) Deepwater Titan, an ultra-deepwater drillship under construction at the Jurong Shipyard Pte Ltd. in Singapore, is expected to commence operations under its drilling contract in the first half of 2022.  The projected capital additions include estimates for an upgrade for two 20,000 pounds per square inch blowout preventers and other equipment required by our customer.

The ultimate amount of our capital expenditures is partly dependent upon financial market conditions, the actual level of operational and contracting activity, the costs associated with the current regulatory environment and customer requested capital improvements and equipment for which the customer agrees to reimburse us.  As with any major shipyard project that takes place over an extended period of time, the actual costs, the timing of expenditures and the project completion date may vary from estimates based on numerous factors, including actual contract terms, weather, exchange rates, shipyard labor conditions, availability of suppliers to recertify equipment and the market demand for components and resources required for drilling unit construction.  We intend to fund the cash requirements relating to our capital expenditures through available cash balances, cash generated from operations and asset sales, borrowings under our Secured Credit Facility and financing arrangements with banks or other capital providers.  Economic conditions and other factors could impact the availability of these sources of funding.  See “—Sources and uses of liquidity.”

Dispositions—From time to time, we may also review the possible disposition of non-strategic drilling assets.  Considering market conditions, we have committed to plans to sell certain lower specification drilling units for scrap value.  During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we identified seven and six such drilling units, respectively, that we have sold or intend to sell for scrap value or other purposes.  During the year ended December 31, 2020, we completed the sale of one ultra-deepwater floater, three harsh environment floaters and three midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received net cash proceeds of $20 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we completed the sale of six ultra-deepwater floaters, one harsh environment floater, two deepwater floaters and two midwater floaters, along with related assets, and we received net cash proceeds of $64 million.  We continue to evaluate the drilling units in our fleet and may identify additional lower-specification drilling units to be sold for scrap value.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2020.

Related Party Transactions

We engage in certain related party transactions with our unconsolidated affiliates, the most significant of which are under agreements with Orion.  We have a management services agreement for the operation and maintenance of the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge and a marketing services agreement for the marketing of the rig.  We also lease the rig under a short-term bareboat charter agreement, which is expected to expire in mid-2021.  Prior to the rig’s placement into service, we also engaged in certain related party transactions with Orion under a shipyard care agreement for the construction of the rig and other matters related to its completion and delivery.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we received an aggregate cash payment of $46 million and $96 million, respectively, primarily related to the commissioning, preparation and mobilization of Transocean Norge under the shipyard care agreement.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized rent expense of $22 million and $9 million, respectively, recorded in operating and maintenance costs, and made an aggregate cash payment of $22 million and $6 million, respectively, to charter the rig and equipment from Orion.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates.

In the year ended December 31, 2020, Perestroika AS, an entity affiliated with one of our directors that beneficially owns approximately 10 percent of our shares, exchanged $356 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $213 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds.  Perestroika AS has certain registration rights related to its shares and shares that may be issued in connection with any exchange of its Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Overview—We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which require us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  These estimates require significant judgments and assumptions.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to our income taxes, property and equipment, equity investments, contingencies, assets held for sale, intangibles, allowance for excess materials and supplies, allowance for credit losses, postemployment benefit plans, leases and share-based compensation.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We consider the following to be our critical accounting policies and estimates since they are very important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require our most subjective and complex judgments.  We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of such policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors.  For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, refer to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies.

Income taxes—Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates, tax laws and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate or have a taxable presence.  The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period because the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary with respect to the nominal tax rate and the availability of deductions, credits and other benefits.  Consequently, our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our income or loss before income taxes.  Variations also arise when income earned and taxed in a particular country or countries fluctuates from year to year.

Uncertain tax positions—We apply significant judgment to evaluate our tax positions based on the interpretation of tax laws in various jurisdictions and with the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events, such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits.  Our tax liability in any given year could be affected by changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, and treaties, currency exchange restrictions or our level or profitability of operations in each jurisdiction.  The tax laws relating to the offshore drilling industry in certain jurisdictions in which we operate are not well developed, requiring us to apply incremental judgment.  Although we employ the best information available at the time we prepare our annual tax provision, a number of years may elapse before the tax liabilities in the various jurisdictions are ultimately determined.

We are undergoing examinations of our tax returns in a number of taxing jurisdictions for various years.  We review our liabilities on an ongoing basis and, to the extent audits or other events cause us to adjust the liabilities accrued in prior periods, we recognize those adjustments in the period of the event.  Our tax liabilities are dependent on numerous factors that cannot be reasonably projected, including among others, the amount and nature of additional taxes potentially asserted by local tax authorities; the willingness of local tax authorities to negotiate a fair settlement through an administrative process; the impartiality of the local courts; and the potential for changes in the taxes paid to one country that either produce, or fail to produce, offsetting tax changes in other countries.  Consequently, we cannot reasonably estimate the future impact of changes to the assumptions and estimates related to our annual tax provision.

Unrecognized tax benefits—We establish liabilities for estimated tax exposures, and the provisions and benefits resulting from changes to those liabilities are included in our annual tax provision along with related interest and penalties.  Such tax exposures include potential challenges to permanent establishment positions, intercompany pricing, disposition transactions, and withholding tax rates and their applicability.  These exposures may be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which could cause us to revise our prior estimates, and are generally resolved through the settlement of audits within these tax jurisdictions or by judicial means.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $419 million and $369 million, respectively.

Valuation allowance—We apply significant judgment to determine whether our deferred tax assets will be fully or partially realized.  Our evaluation requires us to consider all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income and the existence of cumulative losses in recent years.  We continually evaluate strategies that could allow for the future utilization of our deferred tax assets.  When it is estimated to be more likely than not that all or some portion of certain deferred tax assets, such as foreign tax credit carryovers or net operating loss carryforwards, will not be realized, we establish a valuation allowance for the amount of the deferred tax assets that is considered to be unrealizable.  During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, in connection with our evaluation of the projected realizability of our deferred tax assets, we determined that our consolidated cumulative loss incurred over the recent three-year period has limited our ability to consider other subjective evidence, such as projected contract activity rather than contract backlog.

Unremitted earnings—We recognize deferred taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that we do not consider to be indefinitely reinvested or do not expect to be indefinitely reinvested in the future.  We do not provide for taxes on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries when we consider such earnings to be indefinitely reinvested.  If we were to make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries with indefinitely reinvested earnings, we may be subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions.  If we were to change our expectations about distributing earnings of these subsidiaries, we may be required to record additional deferred taxes that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes.

Property and equipment—We apply significant judgment to account for our property and equipment, consisting primarily of offshore drilling rigs and related equipment, related to estimates and assumptions for cost capitalization, useful lives and salvage values.  At

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December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount of our property and equipment was $17.7 billion and $18.8 billion, respectively, representing 81 percent and 78 percent, respectively, of our total assets.

Capitalized costs—We capitalize costs incurred to enhance, improve and extend the useful lives of our property and equipment and expense costs incurred to repair and maintain the existing condition of our rigs.  For newbuild construction projects, we also capitalize the initial preparation, mobilization and commissioning costs incurred until the drilling unit is placed into service.  Capitalized costs increase the carrying amounts of, and depreciation expense for, the related assets, which also impact our results of operations.

Useful lives and salvage values—We depreciate our assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives after allowing for salvage values.  We estimate useful lives and salvage values by applying judgments and assumptions that reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future operations, rig utilization and asset performance.  Useful lives and salvage values of rigs are difficult to estimate due to a variety of factors, including (a) technological advances that impact the methods or cost of oil and gas exploration and development, (b) changes in market or economic conditions and (c) changes in laws or regulations affecting the drilling industry.  Applying different judgments and assumptions in establishing the useful lives and salvage values would likely result in materially different net carrying amounts and depreciation expense for our assets.  We reevaluate the remaining useful lives and salvage values of our rigs when certain events occur that directly impact the useful lives and salvage values of the rigs, including changes in operating condition, functional capability and market and economic factors.  We may also consider major capital upgrades required to perform certain contracts and the long-term impact of those upgrades on future marketability.  At December 31, 2020, a hypothetical one-year increase in the useful lives of all of our rigs would cause a decrease in our annual depreciation expense of approximately $27 million and a hypothetical one-year decrease would cause an increase in our annual depreciation expense of approximately $35 million.

Long-lived asset impairment—We review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of our assets held and used may not be recoverable.  Potential impairment indicators include rapid declines in commodity prices and related market conditions, declines in dayrates or utilization, cancellations of contracts or credit concerns of multiple customers.  During periods of oversupply, we may idle or stack rigs for extended periods of time or we may elect to sell certain rigs for scrap, which could be an indication that an asset group may be impaired since supply and demand are the key drivers of rig utilization and our ability to contract our rigs at economical rates.  Our rigs are mobile units, equipped to operate in geographic regions throughout the world and, consequently, we may mobilize rigs from an oversupplied region to a more lucrative and undersupplied region when it is economical to do so.  Many of our contracts generally allow our customers to relocate our rigs from one geographic region to another, subject to certain conditions, and our customers utilize this capability to meet their worldwide drilling requirements.  Accordingly, our rigs are considered to be interchangeable within classes or asset groups, and we evaluate impairment by asset group.  We consider our asset groups to be ultra-deepwater floaters and harsh environment floaters.

We assess recoverability of assets held and used by projecting undiscounted cash flows for the asset group being evaluated.  When the carrying amount of the asset group is determined to be unrecoverable, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value.  To estimate the fair value of each asset group, we apply a variety of valuation methods, incorporating income, market and cost approaches.  We may weigh the approaches, under certain circumstances, when relevant data is limited, when results are inconclusive or when results deviate significantly.  Our estimate of fair value generally requires us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the long-term future performance of our asset groups, such as projected revenues and costs, dayrates, rig utilization and revenue efficiency.  These projections involve uncertainties that rely on assumptions about demand for our services, future market conditions and technological developments.  Because our business is cyclical in nature, the results of our impairment testing are expected to vary significantly depending on the timing of the assessment relative to the business cycle.  Altering either the timing of or the assumptions used to estimate fair value and significant unanticipated changes to the assumptions could materially alter an outcome that could otherwise result in an impairment loss.  Given the nature of these evaluations and their application to specific asset groups and specific time periods, it is not possible to reasonably quantify the impact of changes in these assumptions.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $31 million, which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the midwater floater asset group.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Drilling Fleet.

Equity-method investments and impairment—We review our equity-method investments for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable in the near term.  Such circumstances include the following: (a) evidence we are unable to recover the carrying amount of our investment, (b) evidence that the investee is unable to sustain earnings that would justify the carrying amount or (c) the current fair value of the investment is less than the carrying amount.  If an evaluation of such circumstances results in the determination that an impairment that is other than temporary exists, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its estimated fair value.  To estimate the fair value of the investment, we apply valuation methods that rely primarily on the income and market approaches.  Our estimate of fair value generally requires us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the estimated discount rate and the investee’s long-term future operational performance factors, such as projected revenues and costs and market factors, including demand for the investee’s industry, services and product lines.  Such projections involve significant uncertainties and require significant judgment.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $59 million associated with an other-than-temporary impairment of the carrying amount of our equity-method investments.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates.

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Contingencies—We assess our contingencies on an ongoing basis to evaluate the appropriateness of our liabilities and disclosures for such contingencies.  We establish liabilities for estimated loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of the probable loss can be reasonably estimated.  We recognize corresponding assets for loss contingencies that we believe are probable of being recovered through insurance.  Once established, we adjust the carrying amount of a contingent liability upon the occurrence of a recognizable event when facts and circumstances change, altering our previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss.  We recognize liabilities for legal costs as they are incurred, and we recognize a corresponding asset for those legal costs only if we expect such legal costs to be recovered through insurance.  Our estimates involve a significant amount of judgement.  Actual results may differ from our estimates.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies.

Other Matters

Regulatory matters

We occasionally receive inquiries from governmental regulatory agencies regarding our operations around the world, including inquiries with respect to various tax, environmental, regulatory and compliance matters.  To the extent appropriate under the circumstances, we investigate such matters, respond to such inquiries and cooperate with the regulatory agencies.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies.

Tax matters

We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in countries throughout the world.  Each country has its own tax regimes with varying nominal rates, deductions and tax attributes.  From time to time, we may identify changes to previously evaluated tax positions that could result in adjustments to our recorded assets and liabilities.  Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these changes, we do not expect the effect, if any, resulting from these adjustments to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  We file federal and local tax returns in several jurisdictions throughout the world.  Tax authorities in certain jurisdictions are examining our tax returns and in some cases have issued assessments.  We are defending our tax positions in those jurisdictions.  While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the final outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect the ultimate liability to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, although it may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated cash flows.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10—Income Taxes.

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest rate risk —We are exposed to interest rate risk, primarily associated with our long-term debt, including current maturities.  The following table presents the nominal amounts, including the principal and other installments, and related weighted-average interest rates of our long-term debt instruments by contractual maturity date (in millions, except interest rate percentages):

Years ending December 31,

 

  

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Total

    

Fair value

 

Debt

Fixed rate (USD)

 

$

516

$

524

$

1,131

$

930

$

775

$

3,990

$

7,866

$

4,820

Average interest rate

5.59

%  

5.49

%  

3.42

%  

6.00

%  

6.27

%  

5.70

%  

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of our outstanding debt was $4.8 billion and $8.9 billion, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2020, the fair value of our debt decreased by $4.1 billion due to the following: (a) a decrease of $1.7 billion due to changes in market prices for our outstanding debt, (b) a decrease of $1.3 billion due to debt retired early as a result of the redemption of the 9.00% Senior Notes and repurchases of certain notes in cash tender offers and open market repurchases, (c) a decrease of $929 million due to debt restructured in exchange offers and private exchanges and (d) a decrease of $539 million due to debt repaid at scheduled maturities, partially offset by (f) an increase of $297 million due to the issuance of the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.

The majority of our cash equivalents is subject to variable interest rates or short-term interest rates and such cash equivalents would earn commensurately higher rates of return if interest rates increase.

Currency exchange rate risk—We are exposed to currency exchange rate risk primarily associated with our international operations.  Our primary risk management strategy for currency exchange rate risk involves structuring customer contracts to provide for apportioning payment for our services in U.S. dollars, which is our functional currency, and local currency.  The portion denominated in local currency is based on our anticipated local currency needs over the contract term.  Due to various factors, including customer contract terms, local banking laws, other statutory requirements, local currency convertibility and the impact of inflation on local costs, actual local currency needs may vary, resulting in exposure to currency exchange rate risk.  We may occasionally enter into forward exchange contracts to satisfy anticipated local currency needs.  The effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates caused by our international operations generally has not had a material impact on our overall operating results.  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 19—Risk Concentration.

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Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Transocean Ltd. (the “Company,” “we” or “our”) is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the financial information included in this annual report.  We have prepared our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to apply our best judgement to make estimates and assumptions for certain amounts.  We are responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.  Our internal control system is supported by a program of internal audits and appropriate reviews by management, written policies and guidelines, careful selection of qualified personnel, and a written Code of Integrity.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness in future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, as described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, as published in 2013.  Based on this assessment, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.

The Company’s independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, a registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors, subject to ratification by our shareholders.  Ernst & Young LLP has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries, and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  The reports of the independent auditors are contained in this annual report.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Transocean Ltd.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).  In our opinion, Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated February 26, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Houston, Texas
February 26, 2021

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Transocean Ltd.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements).  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 26, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.  Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments.  The communication of the critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Income Taxes

Description of the Matter

As discussed in Notes 2 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company operates in multiple jurisdictions through a complex operating structure and is subject to applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations in each jurisdiction where it operates.  The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates applicable in each jurisdiction.  The Company recognizes tax benefits they believe are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.

Auditing management’s provision for income taxes and related deferred taxes was complex because of the Company’s multi-national operating structure.  In addition, a higher degree of auditor judgment was required to evaluate the Company’s deferred tax provision as a result of the Company’s interpretation of tax law in each jurisdiction across its multiple subsidiaries.

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How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s income tax provision process, including controls over management’s review of the identification and valuation of deferred income taxes and changes in tax laws and regulations that may impact the Company’s deferred income tax provision.

Our audit procedures also included, among others, (i)  an understanding of the Company’s overall tax structure, evaluating changes in the Company’s tax structure that occurred during the year as well as changes in tax law, and assessing the interpretation of those changes under the relevant jurisdiction’s tax law; (ii) utilizing tax resources with appropriate knowledge of local jurisdictional laws and regulations; (iii) evaluating the completeness and accuracy of deferred income taxes, and (iv) assessing the reasonableness of the Company’s valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, including projections of taxable income from the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences.

Equity-Method Investment in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited

Description of the Matter

As discussed in Note 4, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $59 million associated with its equity-method investment in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (Orion) upon determination that the carrying amount of its investment exceeded the estimated fair value and that the impairment was other than temporary.  At December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying amount of the Company’s equity-method investment in Orion was $104 million.

Auditing management’s equity-method investment valuation was complex and judgmental due to the estimation required in determining the fair value of the investment.  In particular, the fair value estimate of the equity method investment in Orion was sensitive to significant assumptions such as the discount rate, future demand and supply of harsh environment floaters, rig utilization, revenue efficiency and dayrates.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s process to determine the fair value of the investment in Orion.  For example, we tested management’s review controls over the significant assumptions described above as well as over the underlying data used in the fair value determination.

To test the estimated fair value of the Company’s equity-method investment in Orion, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing the valuation methodologies utilized by management and testing the significant assumptions discussed above and the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by the Company in its analysis.  We involved a valuation specialist to assist in our evaluation of the Company's model, valuation methodology and significant assumptions.  We reviewed for contrary evidence related to the determination of the fair value of the equity-method investment, including reviewing relevant market data and internal Company forecasts.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.

Houston, Texas
February 26, 2021

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In millions, except per share data)

Years ended December 31, 

 

 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

  

 

Contract drilling revenues

$

3,152

$

3,088

 

$

3,018

Costs and expenses

Operating and maintenance

2,000

2,140

1,799

Depreciation and amortization

781

855

818

General and administrative

183

193

188

2,964

3,188

2,805

Loss on impairment

(597)

(609)

(1,464)

Loss on disposal of assets, net

(84)

(12)

Operating loss

(493)

(721)

(1,251)

Other income (expense), net

Interest income

21

43

53

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

(575)

(660)

(620)

Gain (loss) on restructuring and retirement of debt

533

(41)

(3)

Other, net

(27)

181

46

(48)

(477)

(524)

Loss before income tax expense

(541)

(1,198)

(1,775)

Income tax expense

27

59

228

Net loss

(568)

(1,257)

(2,003)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(1)

(2)

(7)

Net loss attributable to controlling interest

$

(567)

$

(1,255)

 

$

(1,996)

Loss per share, basic and diluted

$

(0.92)

$

(2.05)

 

$

(4.27)

Weighted average shares, basic and diluted

615

612

468

See accompanying notes.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In millions)

Years ended December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

  

 

Net loss

$

(568)

$

(1,257)

$

(2,003)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(1)

(2)

(7)

Net loss attributable to controlling interest

(567)

(1,255)

(1,996)

Components of net periodic benefit income (costs) before reclassifications

38

(25)

6

Components of net periodic benefit costs reclassified to net income

25

4

5

Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes

63

(21)

11

Income taxes related to other comprehensive loss

(2)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

61

(21)

11

Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

61

(21)

11

Total comprehensive loss

(507)

(1,278)

(1,992)

Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(1)

(2)

(7)

Total comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interest

$

(506)

$

(1,276)

$

(1,985)

See accompanying notes.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except share data)

December 31, 

 

 

2020

    

2019

  

 

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,154

$

1,790

Accounts receivable, net

583

654

Materials and supplies, net

434

479

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

406

558

Other current assets

163

159

Total current assets

2,740

3,640

Property and equipment

23,040

24,281

Less accumulated depreciation

(5,373)

(5,434)

Property and equipment, net

17,667

18,847

Contract intangible assets

393

608

Deferred income taxes, net

9

20

Other assets

995

990

Total assets

$

21,804

$

24,105

Liabilities and equity

Accounts payable

$

194

$

311

Accrued income taxes

28

64

Debt due within one year

505

568

Other current liabilities

659

781

Total current liabilities

1,386

1,724

Long-term debt

7,302

8,693

Deferred income taxes, net

315

266

Other long-term liabilities

1,366

1,555

Total long-term liabilities

8,983

10,514

Commitments and contingencies

Shares, CHF 0.10 par value, 824,650,660 authorized, 142,363,647 conditionally authorized, 639,676,165 issued

and 615,140,276 outstanding at December 31, 2020, and 639,674,422 authorized, 142,365,398 conditionally

authorized, 617,970,525 issued and 611,871,374 outstanding at December 31, 2019

60

59

Additional paid-in capital

13,501

13,424

Accumulated deficit

(1,866)

(1,297)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(263)

(324)

Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity

11,432

11,862

Noncontrolling interest

3

5

Total equity

11,435

11,867

Total liabilities and equity

$

21,804

$

24,105

See accompanying notes.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(In millions)

 

Years ended December 31, 

Years ended December 31, 

 

2020

  

2019

  

2018

  

2020

  

2019

  

2018

 

Quantity

Amount

Shares

Balance, beginning of period

612

610

391

$

59

$

59

$

37

Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans

3

2

3

1

Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions

216

22

Balance, end of period

615

612

610

$

60

$

59

$

59

Additional paid-in capital

Balance, beginning of period

$

13,424

$

13,394

$

11,031

Share-based compensation

31

37

45

Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions

2,101

Equity component of convertible debt instruments

46

172

Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest

53

Reallocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest

1

(3)

Other, net

(1)

(7)

(5)

Balance, end of period

$

13,501

$

13,424

$

13,394

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

Balance, beginning of period

$

(1,297)

$

(67)

$

1,929

Net loss attributable to controlling interest

(567)

(1,255)

(1,996)

Effect of adopting accounting standards updates

(2)

25

Balance, end of period

$

(1,866)

$

(1,297)

$

(67)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Balance, beginning of period

$

(324)

$

(279)

$

(290)

Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest

61

(21)

11

Effect of adopting accounting standards update

(24)

Balance, end of period

$

(263)

$

(324)

$

(279)

Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity

Balance, beginning of period

$

11,862

$

13,107

$

12,707

Total comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interest

(506)

(1,276)

(1,985)

Share-based compensation

31

37

45

Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions

2,123

Equity component of convertible debt instruments

46

172

Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest

53

Reallocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest

1

(3)

Other, net

(2)

(6)

(5)

Balance, end of period

$

11,432

$

11,862

$

13,107

Noncontrolling interest

Balance, beginning of period

$

5

$

7

$

4

Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(1)

(2)

(2)

Recognition of noncontrolling interest in business combination

33

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

(31)

Reallocated capital for transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest

(1)

3

Balance, end of period

$

3

$

5

$

7

Total equity

Balance, beginning of period

$

11,867

$

13,114

$

12,711

Total comprehensive loss

(507)

(1,278)

(1,987)

Share-based compensation

31

37

45

Issuance of shares in acquisition transactions

2,123

Equity component of convertible debt instruments

46

172

Recognition of noncontrolling interest in business combination

33

Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest

53

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest

(31)

Other, net

(2)

(6)

(5)

Balance, end of period

$

11,435

$

11,867

$

13,114

See accompanying notes.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

Years ended December 31, 

 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

  

   

 

Cash flows from operating activities

Net loss

$

(568)

$

(1,257)

$

(2,003)

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:

Contract intangible asset amortization

215

187

112

Depreciation and amortization

781

855

818

Share-based compensation expense

31

37

45

Loss on impairment

597

609

1,464

Loss on impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliates

62

Loss on disposal of assets, net

84

12

(Gain) loss on restructuring and retirement of debt

(533)

41

3

Gain on termination of construction contracts

(132)

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

60

248

(16)

Other, net

83

41

6

Changes in deferred revenues, net

(73)

43

(139)

Changes in deferred costs, net

12

(33)

34

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net

(353)

(311)

234

Net cash provided by operating activities

398

340

558

Cash flows from investing activities

Capital expenditures

(265)

(387)

(184)

Proceeds from disposal of assets, net

24

70

43

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

(19)

(77)

(107)

Cash paid in business combinations, net of cash acquired

(883)

Proceeds from maturities of unrestricted and restricted investments

5

123

507

Deposits to unrestricted investments

(173)

Other, net

(2)

3

Net cash used in investing activities

(257)

(268)

(797)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of discounts and issue costs

743

1,056

2,054

Repayments of debt

(1,637)

(1,325)

(2,105)

Proceeds from investments restricted for financing activities

26

Payments to terminate derivative instruments

(92)

Other, net

(36)

(43)

(30)

Net cash used in financing activities

(930)

(312)

(147)

Net decrease in unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents

(789)

(240)

(386)

Unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

2,349

2,589

2,975

Unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

1,560

$

2,349

$

2,589

See accompanying notes.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—Business

Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells.  We specialize in technically demanding sectors of the offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services.  Our mobile offshore drilling fleet is considered one of the most versatile fleets in the world.  We contract our drilling rigs, related equipment and work crews predominantly on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells.  As of December 31, 2020, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated a fleet of 38 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 11 harsh environment floaters.  As of December 31, 2020, we were constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.

Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies

Accounting estimates—To prepare financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”), we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to our income taxes, property and equipment, equity investments, contingencies, assets held for sale, intangibles, allowance for excess materials and supplies, allowance for credit losses, postemployment benefit plans, leases and share-based compensation.  We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results could differ from such estimates.

Fair value measurements—We estimate fair value at a price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market for the asset or liability.  Our valuation techniques require inputs that we categorize using a three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, as follows: (1) significant observable inputs, including unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (“Level 1”), (2) significant other observable inputs, including direct or indirect market data for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or identical assets or liabilities in less active markets (“Level 2”) and (3) significant unobservable inputs, including those that require considerable judgment for which there is little or no market data (“Level 3”).  When a valuation requires multiple input levels, we categorize the entire fair value measurement according to the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement even though we may have also utilized significant inputs that are more readily observable.

Consolidation—We consolidate entities in which we have a majority voting interest and entities that meet the criteria for variable interest entities for which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes.  We eliminate intercompany transactions and accounts in consolidation.  We apply the equity method of accounting for an equity investment in an unconsolidated entity if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity that (a) does not meet the variable interest entity criteria or (b) meets the variable interest entity criteria, but for which we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary.  We measure other equity investments at fair value if the investment has a fair value that is readily determinable; otherwise, we measure the investment at cost, less any impairment.  We separately present within equity on our consolidated balance sheets the ownership interests attributable to parties with noncontrolling interests in our consolidated subsidiaries, and we separately present net income attributable to such parties on our consolidated statements of operations.  See Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates and Note 14—Equity.

Business combinations—We apply the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, under which we record the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at fair value and recognize goodwill to the extent the consideration transferred exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired.  To the extent the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the consideration transferred, we recognize a bargain purchase gain.  We estimate the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of the date of the acquisition, and our estimates are subject to adjustment through completion, which is in each case within one year of the acquisition date, based on our assessments of the fair values of property and equipment, intangible assets, other assets and liabilities and our evaluation of tax positions and contingencies.  See Note 3—Business Combinations.

Revenue recognition—We recognize revenues earned under our drilling contracts based on variable dayrates, which range from a full operating dayrate to lower rates or zero rates for periods when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted, based on the specific activities we perform during the contract on an hourly, or more frequent, basis.  Such dayrate consideration is attributed to the distinct time period to which it relates within the contract term, and therefore, is recognized as we perform the services.  When the operating dayrate declines over the contract term, we recognize revenues on a straight-line basis over the estimated contract period.  We recognize reimbursement revenues and the corresponding costs as we provide the customer-requested goods and services, when such reimbursable costs are incurred while performing drilling operations.  Prior to performing drilling operations, we may receive pre-operating revenues, on either a fixed lump-sum or variable dayrate basis, for mobilization, contract preparation, customer-requested goods and services or capital upgrades, which we recognize on a straight-line basis over the estimated contract period.  We recognize losses for loss contracts as such losses are incurred.  We recognize revenues for demobilization over the contract period unless otherwise constrained.  We recognize revenues from contract terminations as we fulfill our obligations and all contingencies have been resolved.  To obtain contracts with our customers, we incur costs to prepare a rig for contract and mobilize a rig to the drilling location.  We defer pre-operating costs, such as contract preparation and mobilization costs, and recognize such costs on a straight-line basis, consistent with the general pace of activity, in

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

operating and maintenance costs over the estimated contract period.  We apply the optional exemption that permits us to exclude disclosure of the estimated transaction price related to the variable portion of unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of the reporting period, as our transaction price is based on a single performance obligation consisting of a series of distinct hourly, or more frequent, periods, the variability of which will be resolved at the time of the future services.  See Note 5—Revenues.

Share-based compensation—To measure the fair values of granted or modified service-based restricted share units, we use the market price of our shares on the grant date or modification date.  To measure the fair values of granted or modified stock options, we use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and apply assumptions for the expected life, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and dividend yield.  To measure the fair values of granted or modified performance-based restricted share units subject to market factors, we use a Monte Carlo simulation model and, in addition to the assumptions applied for the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, we use a risk neutral approach and an average price at the performance start date.  We recognize share-based compensation expense in the same financial statement line item as cash compensation paid to the respective employees or non-employee directors.  We recognize such compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period through the date the employee or non-employee director is no longer required to provide service to earn the award.  See Note 15—Share-Based Compensation Plans.

Capitalized interest—We capitalize interest costs for qualifying construction and upgrade projects and only capitalize interest costs during periods in which progress for the construction projects continues to be underway.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized interest costs of $47 million, $38 million and $37 million, respectively, for our construction work in progress.

Functional currency—We consider the U.S. dollar to be the functional currency for all of our operations since the majority of our revenues and expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars, which limits our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations.  We recognize currency exchange rate gains and losses in other, net.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized a net loss of $8 million, a net gain of $2 million and a net loss of $38 million, respectively, related to currency exchange rates.

Income taxes—We provide for income taxes based on the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which we operate and earn income.  We recognize the effect of changes in tax laws as of the date of enactment.  We recognize potential global intangible low-taxed income inclusions as a period cost.  There is little or no expected relationship between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and income or loss before income taxes because the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary not only with respect to the nominal rate, but also in terms of the availability of deductions, credits and other benefits.  Variations also arise because income earned and taxed in any particular country or countries may fluctuate from year to year.

We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid.  We record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  In evaluating our ability to realize deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including projected future taxable income and the existence of cumulative losses in recent years.  We also record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets resulting from net operating losses incurred during the year in certain jurisdictions and for other deferred tax assets where, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that the financial statement benefit of these losses will not be realized.  Additionally, we record a valuation allowance for foreign tax credit carryforwards to reflect the possible expiration of these benefits prior to their utilization.

We maintain liabilities for estimated tax exposures in our jurisdictions of operation, and we recognize the provisions and benefits resulting from changes to those liabilities in our income tax expense or benefit along with related interest and penalties.  Income tax exposure items include potential challenges to permanent establishment positions, intercompany pricing, disposition transactions, and withholding tax rates and their applicability.  These tax exposures are resolved primarily through the settlement of audits within these tax jurisdictions or by judicial means, but can also be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which could cause us to revise past estimates.  See Note 10—Income Taxes.

Cash and cash equivalents—We consider cash equivalents to include highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less, such as time deposits with commercial banks that have high credit ratings, U.S. Treasury and government securities, Eurodollar time deposits, certificates of deposit and commercial paper.  We may also invest excess funds in no-load, open-ended, management investment trusts.  Such management trusts invest exclusively in high-quality money market instruments.

Accounts receivable—We earn our revenues by providing our drilling services to three major categories of customers: (a) integrated oil companies, (b) government-owned or government-controlled oil companies and (c) other independent oil companies.  Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted the accounting standards update that requires entities to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on financial assets ranging from short-term trade accounts receivable to long-term financings without retrospective application.  Accordingly, we establish an allowance for credit losses based on the loss rate method, considering forecasted future conditions in addition to past events and current conditions for our customers in each of the major categories and on an individual basis when the risk characteristics of an account are no longer representative of the category to which it otherwise belongs.  At December 31, 2020, our allowance for credit losses was $2 million.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Materials and supplies—We record materials and supplies at their average cost less an allowance for excess items.  We estimate the allowance for excess items based on historical experience and expectations for future use of the materials and supplies.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our allowance for excess items was $143 million and $127 million, respectively.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents—We maintain restricted cash and cash equivalents that are either pledged for debt service under certain bond indentures, as required under certain bank credit arrangements, or held in accounts that are subject to restrictions due to legislation, regulation or court order.  We classify such restricted cash and cash equivalents in current assets if the restriction is expected to expire or otherwise be resolved within one year or if such funds are considered to offset liabilities that are properly classified as current liabilities. See Note 9—Debt and Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies.

Assets held for sale—We classify an asset as held for sale when the facts and circumstances meet the criteria for such classification, including the following: (a) we have committed to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is available for immediate sale, (c) we have initiated actions to complete the sale, including locating a buyer, (d) the sale is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable relative to its fair value, and (f) the plan to sell is unlikely to be subject to significant changes or termination.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had no assets classified as held for sale.

Property and equipment—We apply judgment to account for our property and equipment, consisting primarily of offshore drilling rigs and related equipment, related to estimates and assumptions for cost capitalization, useful lives and salvage values.  We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and expectations regarding future industry conditions and operations.  At December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying amount of our property and equipment represented approximately 81 percent of our total assets.

We capitalize expenditures for newbuilds, renewals, replacements and improvements, including capitalized interest, if applicable, and we recognize the expense for maintenance and repair costs as incurred.  For newbuild construction projects, we also capitalize the initial preparation, mobilization and commissioning costs incurred until the drilling unit is placed into service.  Upon sale or other disposition of an asset, we recognize a net gain or loss on disposal of the asset, which is measured as the difference between the net carrying amount of the asset and the net proceeds received.  We compute depreciation using the straight-line method after allowing for salvage values.

The estimated original useful life of our drilling units is 35 years, our buildings and improvements range from two to 30 years and our machinery and equipment range from four to 20 years.  We reevaluate the remaining useful lives and salvage values of our rigs when certain events occur that directly impact the useful lives and salvage values of the rigs, including changes in operating condition, functional capability and market and economic factors.  When evaluating the remaining useful lives of rigs, we also consider major capital upgrades required to perform certain contracts and the long-term impact of those upgrades on future marketability.

Long-lived asset impairment—We review the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, including property and equipment and right-of-use assets, for potential impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  For assets classified as held and used, we determine recoverability by evaluating the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows based on projected dayrates and utilization of the asset group under review.  We consider our asset groups to be ultra-deepwater floaters and harsh environment floaters.  When an impairment of one or more of our asset groups is indicated, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value.  We measure the fair values of our asset groups by applying a variety of valuation methods, incorporating a combination of cost, income and market approaches, using projected discounted cash flows and estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous market for the assets in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date.  For an asset classified as held for sale, we consider the asset to be impaired to the extent its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value less cost to sell.  See Note 6—Drilling Fleet.

Equity investments and impairment—We review our equity-method investments, and other equity investments for which a readily determinable fair value is not available, for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable in the near term.  If we determine that an impairment that is other than temporary exists, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its estimated fair value.  To estimate the fair value of the investment, we apply valuation methods that rely primarily on the income and market approaches.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $62 million associated with the other-than-temporary impairment of the carrying amount of our equity investments. See Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates.

Goodwill—We conduct impairment testing for goodwill annually as of October 1 and more frequently, on an interim basis, when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of our reporting unit may have declined below its carrying amount.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of an interim goodwill test, we recognized an aggregate loss of $462 million, which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the full balance of our goodwill.  See Note 3—Business Combinations and Note 7—Goodwill and Other Intangibles.

Contract intangibles—We recognize contract intangible assets related to acquired executory contracts, such as drilling contracts.  The drilling contract intangible assets represent the amount by which the fixed dayrates of the acquired contracts were above the market dayrates that were available or expected to be available during the term of the contract for similar contracts, measured as of the acquisition date.  We amortize the carrying amount of the drilling contract intangible assets using the straight-line method as a reduction of contract

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

drilling revenues over the expected remaining contract period.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate carrying amount of our drilling contract intangible assets was $393 million and $608 million, respectively.  See Note 3—Business Combinations and Note 7—Goodwill and Other Intangibles.

Pension and other postemployment benefit plans—We use a measurement date of January 1 for determining net periodic benefit costs and December 31 for determining plan benefit obligations and the fair values of plan assets.  We determine our net periodic benefit costs based on a market-related value of assets that reduces year-to-year volatility by including investment gains or losses subject to amortization over a five-year period from the year in which they occur.  We calculate investment gains or losses for this purpose as the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets.  If gains or losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of plan assets or plan liabilities, we amortize such gains or losses over the average expected future service period of the employee participants.

We measure our actuarially determined obligations and related costs for our defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit plans, retiree life insurance and medical benefits, by applying assumptions, the most significant of which include long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates and mortality rates.  For the long-term rate of return, we develop our assumptions regarding the expected rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and projected long-term investment returns, and we weight the assumptions based on each plan’s asset allocation.  For the discount rate, we base our assumptions on a yield curve approach using Aa-rated corporate bonds and the expected timing of future benefit payments.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our pension and other postemployment benefit plan obligations represented an aggregate liability of $277 million and $351 million, respectively, and an aggregate asset of $37 million and $42 million, respectively, representing the funded status of the plans.  See Note 12—Postemployment Benefit Plans.

Contingencies—We perform assessments of our contingencies on an ongoing basis to evaluate the appropriateness of our liabilities and disclosures for such contingencies.  We establish liabilities for estimated loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of the probable loss can be reasonably estimated.  We recognize corresponding assets for those loss contingencies that we believe are probable of being recovered through insurance.  Once established, we adjust the carrying amount of a contingent liability upon the occurrence of a recognizable event when facts and circumstances change, altering our previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss.  We recognize expense for legal costs as they are incurred, and we recognize a corresponding asset for such legal costs only if we expect such legal costs to be recovered through insurance.

Note 3—Business Combinations

Overview

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we completed the acquisitions of Songa Offshore SE (“Songa”), a European public company limited by shares, or societas Europaea, existing under the laws of Cyprus, and Ocean Rig UDW Inc. (“Ocean Rig”), a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability.  On January 30, 2018, we acquired an approximate 97.7 percent ownership interest in Songa.  On December 5, 2018, we acquired Ocean Rig in a merger transaction.  We believe both acquisitions further strengthen our position as a leader in providing ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services by adding additional high-value assets, and we believe the Songa acquisition, supported by significant contract backlog, also strengthens our footprint in harsh environment operating areas.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with these acquisitions, we incurred acquisition costs of $24 million, recorded in general and administrative costs and expenses.

We included the operating results of Songa and Ocean Rig in our consolidated results of operations, commencing on the acquisition date, January 30, 2018 and December 5, 2018, respectively.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, our consolidated statement of operations includes revenues of $497 million and net income of $87 million associated with the operations of Songa and revenues of $15 million and net loss of $8 million associated with the operations of Ocean Rig.

Ocean Rig UDW Inc.

To complete the acquisition, we transferred consideration with an aggregate fair value of $2.55 billion, including (a) 147.7 million shares issued at an aggregate fair value of $1.38 billion, equivalent to $9.32 per share, based on the market value of our shares on the acquisition date and (b) an aggregate cash payment of $1.17 billion.  The fair value of net assets acquired, measured as of December 5, 2018, was $2.57 billion, comprised of: (a) total assets of $2.82 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of $152 million, property and equipment of $2.20 billion and other assets of $466 million, net of (b) liabilities assumed of $257 million.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we completed our estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities.  In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recognized a gain of $11 million and $10 million, respectively, recorded in other, net, for a cumulative gain of $21 million associated with the bargain purchase, primarily due to the decline in the market value of our shares between the announcement date and the closing date.

We estimated the fair value of the rigs and related equipment by applying a combination of income and market approaches, using projected discounted cash flows and estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous markets for the assets in an orderly transaction between participants as of the acquisition date.  We estimated the fair value

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of the drilling contracts by comparing the contractual dayrates over the remaining firm contract term and option periods relative to the projected market dayrates as of the acquisition date.  We estimated the fair value of the construction contracts by comparing the contractual future payments and terms relative to the market payments and terms as of the acquisition date.  Our estimates of fair value for the drilling units and contract intangibles required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the assets, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig availability, rig utilization, dayrates, remaining useful lives of the rigs and discount rates.

In connection with the Ocean Rig acquisition, we acquired contracts with Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (“SHI”) for the construction of two ultra-deepwater drillships for which we recognized liabilities that represented the amount by which the remaining payments due under the acquired contracts were above market construction rates for similar drilling units, measured as of the acquisition date.  In October 2019, we agreed with SHI to cancel the construction contracts for the drillships in exchange for the parties terminating their respective obligations and liabilities under the construction contracts and our subsidiaries releasing to SHI their respective interests in the rigs.  As a result, in the three months ended December 31, 2019, we eliminated the construction contract liabilities and recognized income of $132 million, recorded in other income, net.

Songa Offshore SE

To complete the acquisition, we transferred consideration with an aggregate fair value of $1.76 billion, including (a) 66.9 million shares issued at an aggregate fair value of $735 million, equivalent to $10.99 per share, based on the market value of our shares on the acquisition date and (b) $854 million aggregate principal amount of 0.50% exchangeable senior bonds due January 30, 2023 (the “Exchangeable Senior Bonds”) issued at an aggregate fair value of $1.03 billion as partial consideration to Songa shareholders and settlement for certain Songa indebtedness.  The fair value of net assets acquired, measured as of January 30, 2018, was $1.76 billion, comprised of: (a) total assets of $3.82 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of $113 million, property and equipment of $2.41 billion, goodwill of $462 million, contract intangible assets of $632 million and other assets of $195 million, net of (b) total liabilities of $2.02 billion, including total debt of $1.77 billion and other liabilities of $254 million and (c) noncontrolling interest of $33 million.

In the year ended December 31, 2018, we completed our estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities.  We estimated the fair value of the rigs and related equipment by applying a combination of income and market approaches, using projected discounted cash flows and estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous markets for the assets in an orderly transaction between participants as of the acquisition date.  We estimated the fair value of the drilling contracts by comparing the contractual dayrates over the remaining firm contract term and option periods relative to the projected market dayrates as of the acquisition date.  The goodwill resulting from the business combination was attributed to synergies and intangible assets that did not qualify for separate recognition.  Our estimates of fair value for these assets required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the assets, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig availability, dayrates and discount rates.  We estimated the fair value of the debt using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments.

On March 28, 2018, we acquired the remaining Songa shares not owned by us through a compulsory acquisition under Cyprus law, and as a result, Songa became our wholly owned subsidiary.  As consideration for the remaining Songa shares, we issued 1.1 million shares and $9 million aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Senior Bonds and we made an aggregate cash payment of $8 million to Songa shareholders who elected to receive a cash payment or failed to make an election, for an aggregate fair value of $30 million.

In connection with the Songa acquisition, we acquired undesignated currency swaps and interest rate swaps that we subsequently settled and terminated.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with the settlement of the currency swaps and the interest rate swaps, we made an aggregate cash payment of $92 million and received aggregate cash proceeds of $18 million, respectively.

Note 4—Unconsolidated Affiliates

Equity investments—We hold noncontrolling equity investments in various unconsolidated companies, including (a) our 33.0 percent ownership interest in Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited (together with its subsidiary, “Orion”), a Cayman Islands company that, through its wholly owned subsidiary, owns the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge, and (b) our interests in certain companies that are involved in researching and developing technology to improve efficiency and reliability and to increase automation, sustainability and safety for drilling and other activities.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate carrying amount of our equity investments was $138 million and $191 million, respectively, recorded in other assets.

Our equity-method investment in Orion is the most significant of our equity investments.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we made an aggregate cash contribution of $8 million, $74 million and $91 million, respectively, to Orion, and we expect to make an additional $33 million cash contribution in the six months ending June 30, 2021.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $59 million, which had no tax effect, recorded in other, net, associated with the impairment of our equity-method investment in Orion upon determination that the carrying amount exceeded the estimated fair value and that the impairment was other than temporary.  We estimated the fair value of our investment using the income method, which required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including applying an assumed discount rate of 12 percent and making assumptions

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about the future performance of the investment, including future demand and supply for harsh environment floaters, rig utilization, revenue efficiency and dayrates.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate carrying amount of our investment in Orion was $104 million and $164 million, respectively.

Related party transactions—We engage in certain related party transactions with our unconsolidated affiliates, the most significant of which are under agreements with Orion.  We have a management services agreement for the operation and maintenance of the harsh environment floater Transocean Norge and a marketing services agreement for the marketing of the rig.  We also lease the rig under a short-term bareboat charter agreement, which is expected to expire in mid-2021.  Prior to the rig’s placement into service, we also engaged in certain related party transactions with Orion under a shipyard care agreement for the construction of the rig and other matters related to its completion and delivery.  Additionally, we procure services and equipment from other unconsolidated affiliates for technological innovation.

In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we received an aggregate cash payment of $46 million and $96 million, respectively, primarily related to the commissioning, preparation and mobilization of Transocean Norge under the shipyard care agreement with Orion.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized rent expense of $22 million and $9 million, respectively, recorded in operating and maintenance costs, and made an aggregate cash payment of $22 million and $6 million, respectively, to charter the rig and other equipment from Orion.  In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we made an aggregate cash payment of $15 million and $11 million, respectively, to other unconsolidated affiliates for research and development and for equipment to reduce emissions and improve reliability.

Note 5—Revenues

Overview—We earn revenues primarily by performing the following activities: (i) providing our drilling rig, work crews, related equipment and services necessary to operate the rig (ii) delivering the drilling rig by mobilizing to and demobilizing from the drill location, and (iii) performing certain pre-operating activities, including rig preparation activities or equipment modifications required for the contract.  These services represent a single performance obligation under our drilling contracts with customers that is satisfied over time, the duration of which varies by contract.  At December 31, 2020, the drilling contract with the longest expected remaining duration, excluding unexercised options, extends through February 2028.

In June 2020, we entered into a settlement and mutual release agreement with a customer, which provided for the final settlement of disputes related to performance obligations satisfied in prior periods.  In connection with the settlement, among other things, our customer agreed to pay us $185 million in four equal installments through January 15, 2023.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized revenues of $177 million, representing the discounted value of the future payments, and recorded corresponding accounts receivable, net of imputed interest.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we received an aggregate cash payment of $46 million in scheduled installments under the arrangement.  At December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying amount of the related receivable was $133 million, net of imputed interest, including $45 million and $88 million recorded in accounts receivable and other assets, respectively.

In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized revenues of $10 million for other performance obligations satisfied in previous periods due to certain revenues recognized on a cash basis.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized revenues of $174 million for yet other performance obligations satisfied in previous periods, primarily related to revenues for a customer’s contract termination and certain revenues recognized on a cash basis.

To obtain contracts with our customers, we incur pre-operating costs to prepare a rig for contract and deliver or mobilize the rig to the drilling location.  We recognize such pre-operating costs in operating and maintenance costs on a straight-line basis, consistent with the general pace of activity, over the estimated contract period.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized pre-operating costs of $60 million, $18 million and $45 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the unrecognized pre-operating costs to obtain contracts was $20 million and $34 million, respectively, recorded in other assets.

Disaggregation—Our contract drilling revenues, disaggregated by asset group and by country in which they were earned, were as follows (in millions):

Year ended December 31, 2020

Year ended December 31, 2019

Year ended December 31, 2018

  

U.S.

  

Norway

  

Other (a)

  

Total

 

 

U.S.

  

Norway

  

Other (a)

  

Total

 

 

U.S.

  

Norway

  

Other (a)

  

Total

 

Ultra-deepwater floaters

 

$

1,302

$

$

792

$

2,094

 

$

1,264

$

$

693

$

1,957

$

1,496

$

$

292

$

1,788

Harsh environment floaters

876

170

1,046

775

294

1,069

651

323

974

Deepwater floaters

7

7

124

124

Midwater floaters

12

12

55

55

74

74

High-specification jackups

58

58

Total revenues

 

$

1,302

$

876

$

974

$

3,152

 

$

1,264

$

775

$

1,049

$

3,088

$

1,496

$

651

$

871

$

3,018

(a) Other represents the aggregate value for countries in which we operate that individually had attributable operating revenues representing less than 10 percent of consolidated operating revenues earned.

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Contract liabilities—We recognize contract liabilities, recorded in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, for mobilization, contract preparation, capital upgrades and deferred revenues for declining dayrate contracts using the straight-line method over the estimated contract period.  Contract liabilities for our contracts with customers were as follows (in millions):

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

 

Deferred contract revenues, recorded in other current liabilities

 

$

133

$

100

Deferred contract revenues, recorded in other long-term liabilities

323

429

Total contract liabilities

 

$

456

$

529

Significant changes in contract liabilities were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

 

Total contract liabilities, beginning of period

$

529

$

486

Decrease due to recognition of revenues for goods and services

(184)

(114)

Increase due to goods and services transferred over time

111

157

Total contract liabilities, end of period

$

456

$

529

Note 6—Drilling Fleet

Construction work in progress—The changes in our construction work in progress were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

 

 

2020

    

2019

    

2018

 

Construction work in progress, beginning of period

$

753

$

632

$

1,392

Capital expenditures

Newbuild construction program

143

129

75

Other equipment and construction projects

122

258

109

Total capital expenditures

265

387

184

Changes in accrued capital additions

(33)

20

4

Construction work in progress impaired

(5)

Construction work in progress acquired in business combination

28

Property and equipment placed into service

Newbuild construction program

(903)

Other equipment and construction projects

(157)

(281)

(73)

Construction work in progress, end of period

$

828

$

753

$

632

Impairments of assets held and used—During the year ended December 31, 2020, we identified indicators that the carrying amounts of our asset groups may not be recoverable.  Such indicators included significant declines in commodity prices and the market value of our stock, a reduction of expected demand for our drilling services as our customers announced reductions of capital investments in response to commodity prices and a reduction of projected dayrates.  As a result of our testing, we determined that the carrying amount of our midwater floater asset group was impaired.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a loss of $31 million ($0.05 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of our midwater floater asset group.  We measured the fair value of the drilling unit and related assets in this asset group by applying the market approach, using estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous markets for the assets in an orderly transaction between participants as of the measurement date.  Our estimate of fair value required us to use significant other observable inputs, representative of Level 2 fair value measurements, including the marketability of the rig and prices of comparable rigs that may be sold for scrap value.

Impairments of assets held for sale—In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate loss of $556 million ($0.90 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the ultra-deepwater floater GSF Development Driller II, the harsh environment floaters Polar Pioneer and Songa Dee and the midwater floaters Sedco 711, Sedco 714 and Transocean 712, along with related assets, which we determined were impaired at the time that we classified the assets as held for sale.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized an aggregate loss of $578 million ($0.94 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the ultra-deepwater floaters Discoverer Deep Seas, Discoverer Enterprise and Discoverer Spirit, along with related assets, which we determined were impaired at the time we classified the assets as held for sale.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized an aggregate loss of $999 million ($2.13 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Discovery, Deepwater Frontier, Deepwater Millennium and GSF C.R. Luigs, the deepwater floaters Jack Bates and Transocean 706 and the midwater floaters Songa Delta and Songa Trym, along with related assets, which we determined were impaired at the time that we classified the assets as held for sale.

We measured the impairment of the drilling units and related assets as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeded the estimated fair value less costs to sell.  We estimated the fair value of the assets using significant other observable inputs, representative of

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Level 2 fair value measurements, including indicative market values for the drilling units and related assets to be sold for scrap value or binding contracts to sell such assets for alternative purposes.  If we commit to plans to sell additional rigs for values below the respective carrying amounts, we will be required to recognize additional losses in future periods associated with the impairment of such assets.

Dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2020, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floater GSF Development Driller II, the harsh environment floaters Polar Pioneer, Songa Dee and Transocean Arctic and the midwater floaters Sedco 711, Sedco 714 and Transocean 712, along with related assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $20 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $61 million ($0.10 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the disposal of these assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $4 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $23 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Frontier, Deepwater Millennium, Discoverer Deep Seas, Discoverer Enterprise, Discoverer Spirit and Ocean Rig Paros, the harsh environment floater Eirik Raude, the deepwater floaters Jack Bates and Transocean 706 and the midwater floaters Actinia and Songa Delta, along with related assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $64 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $4 million ($0.01 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the disposal of these assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2019, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $6 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $16 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we completed the sale of the ultra-deepwater floaters Cajun Express, Deepwater Discovery, Deepwater Pathfinder, GSF C.R. Luigs, Sedco Energy and Sedco Express, the deepwater floater Transocean Marianas and the midwater floater Songa Trym, along with related assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $36 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $7 million ($0.01 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the disposal of these assets.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $7 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $7 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.

Note 7—Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Finite-lived intangible assets—The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our drilling contract intangible assets were as follows (in millions):

Year ended December 31, 2020

Year ended December 31, 2019

 

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

 

carrying

Accumulated

carrying

carrying

Accumulated

carrying

 

    

amount

amortization

amount

    

amount

    

amortization

    

amount

 

Drilling contract intangible assets

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

907

$

(299)

$

608

$

907

$

(112)

 

$

795

Amortization

(215)

(215)

(187)

(187)

Balance, end of period

 

$

907

$

(514)

$

393

$

907

$

(299)

 

$

608

We amortize the drilling contract intangible assets over the remaining contract periods, the longest of which is currently expected to extend through March 2024.  As of December 31, 2020, the estimated future amortization was as follows (in millions):

   

Total

Years ending December 31,

2021

 

$

220

2022

117

2023

52

2024

4

Total carrying amount of contract intangible assets

$

393

Goodwill—During the three months ended June 30, 2018, we classified as held for sale and impaired three ultra-deepwater floaters (see Note 6—Drilling Fleet).  We identified the impairment of these assets as an indicator that our goodwill may be impaired.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, as a result of our interim goodwill impairment test, we recognized a loss of $462 million ($0.99 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the full balance of our goodwill.  We estimated the fair value of the contract drilling services reporting unit using the income approach.  Our estimate of fair value required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig availability and dayrates.

Note 8—Leases

Our operating leases are principally for office space, storage facilities, operating equipment and land.  At December 31, 2020, our operating leases had a weighted-average discount rate of 6.4 percent and a weighted-average remaining lease term of 14.0 years.

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Our finance lease for the ultra-deepwater drillship Petrobras 10000 has an implicit interest rate of 7.8 percent and requires scheduled monthly installments through the lease expiration in August 2029, after which we are obligated to acquire the drillship from the lessor for one dollar.  We recognize expense for the amortization of the right-of-use asset in depreciation and amortization.

The components of our lease costs were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

Lease costs

2020

 

2019

Operating lease costs

$

13

$

25

Short-term lease costs

27

13

Finance lease costs, amortization of right-of-use asset

21

21

Finance lease costs, interest on lease liability

36

39

Total lease costs

$

97

$

98

In the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a loss of $26 million, with no tax effect, associated with the impairment of right-of-use assets and leasehold improvements for certain office facilities that we had vacated or had committed to sublease.

Supplemental cash flow information for our leases was as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

2020

 

2019

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

Operating cash flows from operating leases

17

$

19

Operating cash flows from finance lease

36

39

Financing cash flows from finance lease

35

32

At December 31, 2020, the aggregate future minimum rental payments for our leases were as follows (in millions):

Operating

 

Finance

leases

lease

Years ending December 31,

2021

$

13

$

71

2022

14

71

2023

13

71

2024

13

71

2025

13

71

Thereafter

125

256

Total future minimum rental payment

191

611

Less amount representing imputed interest

(69)

(167)

Present value of future minimum rental payments

122

444

Less current portion, recorded in other current liabilities

(8)

(37)

Long-term lease liabilities, recorded in other long-term liabilities

$

114

$

407

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Note 9—Debt

Overview

Outstanding debt—The aggregate principal amounts and aggregate carrying amounts, net of debt-related balances, including unamortized discounts, premiums, issue costs and fair value adjustments of our debt, were as follows (in millions):

Principal amount

Carrying amount

 

December 31, 

December 31,

 

December 31, 

December 31,

 

    

    

2020

    

2019

  

 

2020

    

2019

  

6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020

(a)

$

$

206

$

$

206

6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021

(a)

38

222

38

221

5.52% Senior Secured Notes due May 2022

(b)

111

200

111

198

3.80% Senior Notes due October 2022

(a)

27

190

27

189

0.50% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due January 2023

(a)

463

863

462

862

5.375% Senior Secured Notes due May 2023

(c)

364

525

360

518

9.00% Senior Notes due July 2023

(d)

714

701

5.875% Senior Secured Notes due January 2024

(c)

585

667

577

656

7.75% Senior Secured Notes due October 2024

(c)

360

420

354

412

6.25% Senior Secured Notes due December 2024

(c)

375

437

369

430

6.125% Senior Secured Notes due August 2025

(c)

468

534

461

525

7.25% Senior Notes due November 2025

(d)

411

750

405

737

7.50% Senior Notes due January 2026

(d)

569

750

565

743

2.50% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds due January 2027

(e)

238

277

11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes due January 2027

(e)

687

1,139

6.875% Senior Secured Notes due February 2027

(c)

550

550

542

541

8.00% Senior Notes due February 2027

(d)

612

606

7.45% Notes due April 2027

(a)

52

88

51

86

8.00% Debentures due April 2027

(a)

22

57

22

57

7.00% Notes due June 2028

(f)

261

300

266

306

7.50% Notes due April 2031

(a)

396

588

394

585

6.80% Senior Notes due March 2038

(a)

610

1,000

605

991

7.35% Senior Notes due December 2041

(a)

177

300

176

297

Total debt

7,376

9,361

7,807

9,261

Less debt due within one year

6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020

(a)

206

206

6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021

(a)

38

38

5.52% Senior Secured Notes due May 2022

(b)

93

88

92

87

5.375% Senior Secured Notes due May 2023

(c)

47

16

46

14

5.875% Senior Secured Notes due January 2024

(c)

83

83

80

79

7.75% Senior Secured Notes due October 2024

(c)

60

60

58

58

6.25% Senior Secured Notes due December 2024

(c)

62

62

60

60

6.125% Senior Secured Notes due August 2025

(c)

66

66

64

64

2.50% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds due January 2027

(e)

6

11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes due January 2027

(e)

61

Total debt due within one year

449

581

505

568

Total long-term debt

 

 

$

6,927

$

8,780

 

$

7,302

$

8,693

(a) Transocean Inc., a 100 percent owned direct subsidiary of Transocean Ltd., is the issuer of the notes and debentures (the “Legacy Guaranteed Notes”).  The Legacy Guaranteed Notes are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd.
(b) The subsidiary issuer of the unregistered senior secured notes is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Inc.  The senior secured notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the owner of the collateral rig.
(c) Each subsidiary issuer of the respective unregistered senior secured notes is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Inc.  The senior secured notes are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and, in each case, the owner of the respective collateral rig or rigs.
(d) Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the unregistered notes (collectively, the “Priority Guaranteed Notes”).  The guaranteed senior unsecured notes are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. and rank equal in right of payment of all of our existing and future unsecured unsubordinated obligations.  Such notes are structurally senior to the Legacy Guaranteed Notes and the 7.00% notes due June 2028 and are structurally subordinate to the Senior Priority Guaranteed Notes, as defined below, to the extent of the value of the assets of the subsidiaries guaranteeing the notes.
(e) Transocean Inc. is the issuer of the unregistered notes (together, the “Senior Priority Guaranteed Notes”).  The priority guaranteed senior unsecured notes are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. and rank equal in right of payment of all of our existing and future unsecured unsubordinated obligations.  Such notes are structurally senior to the Priority Guaranteed Notes to the extent of the value of the assets of the subsidiaries guaranteeing the notes.
(f) The subsidiary issuer of the registered notes is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Transocean Inc.  The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Transocean Inc.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Transocean Ltd. has no independent assets or operations, and its other subsidiaries not owned indirectly through Transocean Inc. are minor.  Transocean Inc. has no independent assets and operations, other than those related to its investments in non-guarantor operating companies and balances primarily pertaining to its cash and cash equivalents and debt.  Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. are not subject to any significant restrictions on their ability to obtain funds from their consolidated subsidiaries by dividends, loans or capital distributions (see “—Indentures”).

Scheduled maturities—At December 31, 2020, the scheduled maturities of our debt, including the principal installments and other installments, representing the undiscounted projected interest payments of debt exchanged, were as follows (in millions):

    

Principal

    

Other

    

 

    

installments

    

installments

    

Total

 

Years ending December 31,

2021

$

449

$

67

$

516

2022

448

76

524

2023

1,055

76

1,131

2024

853

77

930

2025

698

77

775

Thereafter

3,873

117

3,990

Total installments of debt

$

7,376

$

490

7,866

Total debt-related balances, net

(59)

Total carrying amount of debt

$

7,807

Indentures—The indentures that govern our debt generally contain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur certain liens on our drilling units without equally and ratably securing the notes, to engage in certain sale and lease back transactions covering any of our drilling units, to allow our subsidiaries to incur certain additional debt, or to engage in certain merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions or to enter into a scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation.

Additionally, the indentures that govern the 5.52% senior secured notes due May 2022, the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due May 2023 (the “5.375% Senior Secured Notes”), the 5.875% senior secured notes due January 2024 (the “5.875% Senior Secured Notes”), the 7.75% senior secured notes due October 2024, the 6.25% senior secured notes due December 2024, the 6.125% senior secured notes due August 2025 (the “6.125% Senior Secured Notes”) and the 6.875% senior secured notes due February 2027 (the “6.875% Senior Secured Notes”) contain covenants that limit the ability of our subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rigs to declare or pay dividends to their affiliates.

The indentures that govern the 2.50% senior guaranteed exchangeable bonds due January 2027 (the “Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) and the Exchangeable Senior Bonds require such bonds to be repurchased upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes and events, at specified prices depending on the particular fundamental change or event, which include changes and events related to certain (i) change of control events applicable to Transocean Ltd. or Transocean Inc., (ii) the failure of our shares to be listed or quoted on a national securities exchange and (iii) specified tax matters.

Interest rate adjustments—The interest rates for certain of our notes are subject to adjustment from time to time upon a change to the credit rating of our non-credit enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt.  At December 31, 2020, the interest rate in effect for the 6.375% senior notes due December 2021, 3.80% senior notes due October 2022 and the 7.35% senior notes due December 2041 was 8.375 percent, 5.80 percent and 9.35 percent, respectively.

Secured Credit Facility—As of December 31, 2020, we have a bank credit agreement, as amended from time to time, that established a $1.3 billion secured revolving credit facility (the “Secured Credit Facility”), which is scheduled to expire on June 22, 2023.  The Secured Credit Facility is guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and certain wholly owned subsidiaries.  The Secured Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a lien on the ultra-deepwater floaters Deepwater Asgard, Deepwater Corcovado, Deepwater Invictus, Deepwater Mykonos, Deepwater Orion, Deepwater Skyros, Development Driller III, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2 and Discoverer Inspiration and the harsh environment floaters Transocean Barents and Transocean Spitsbergen, the aggregate carrying amount of which was $5.2 billion at December 31, 2020.  The maximum borrowing capacity will be reduced to $1.0 billion if, and so long as, our leverage ratio, measured as the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, exceeds 10.00 to 1.00.  The Secured Credit Facility contains covenants that, among other things, include maintenance of certain guarantee and collateral coverage ratios, a maximum debt to capitalization ratio of 0.60 to 1.00 and minimum liquidity of $500 million.  The Secured Credit Facility also restricts the ability of Transocean Ltd. and certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things, merge, consolidate or otherwise make changes to the corporate structure, incur liens, incur additional indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates and pay dividends and other distributions.

We may borrow under the Secured Credit Facility at either (1) the reserve adjusted London interbank offered rate plus a margin (the “Secured Credit Facility Margin”), which ranges from 2.625 percent to 3.375 percent based on the credit rating of the Secured Credit Facility, or (2) the base rate specified in the credit agreement plus the Secured Credit Facility Margin, minus one percent per annum.  Throughout the term of the Secured Credit Facility, we pay a facility fee on the amount of the underlying commitment which ranges from

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

0.375 percent to 1.00 percent based on the credit rating of the Secured Credit Facility.  At December 31, 2020, based on the credit rating of the Secured Credit Facility on that date, the Secured Credit Facility Margin was 3.375 percent and the facility fee was 0.875 percent.  At December 31, 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding, $22 million of letters of credit issued, and we had $1.3 billion of available borrowing capacity under the Secured Credit Facility.

Debt issuances

Guaranteed senior unsecured notes—On January 17, 2020, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% senior notes due February 2027 (the “8.00% Guaranteed Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $743 million, net of issue costs.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes on or prior to February 1, 2023 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

On October 25, 2018, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due November 2025 (the “7.25% Guaranteed Notes”), and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $735 million, net of issue costs.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes on or prior to November 1, 2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

Priority guaranteed senior unsecured notes—On September 11, 2020, we issued $687 million aggregate principal amount of 11.50% senior guaranteed notes due January 2027 (the “11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes”) in non-cash exchange offers, pursuant to an exchange offer memorandum, dated August 10, 2020, as supplemented, for an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of several series of our existing debt securities that were validly tendered and accepted for purchase (the “Exchange Offers”).  In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the Exchange Offers, we recognized a gain of $355 million ($0.58 per diluted share), with no tax effect, associated with the restructuring of debt (see “—Debt restructuring, repayment and retirement”).  We may redeem all or a portion of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes prior to July 30, 2023 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.  We may also use the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings by Transocean Ltd. to redeem, on one or more occasions prior to July 30, 2023, up to a maximum of 40 percent of the original aggregate principal amount of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes, subject to certain adjustments, at a redemption price equal to 111.50 percent of the aggregate principal amount.

Senior guaranteed exchangeable bonds—On August 14, 2020, we issued $238 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds in non-cash private exchanges for $397 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds (collectively, the “Private Exchange” and, together with the Exchange Offers, the “Exchange Transactions”).  In the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of the Private Exchange, we recognized a gain of $72 million ($0.12 per diluted share), with no tax effect, associated with the restructuring of debt (see “—Debt restructuring, repayment and retirement”).  The Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds may be converted at any time prior to the close of business on the second business day immediately preceding the maturity date or redemption date at the current exchange rate of 162.1626 Transocean Ltd. shares per $1,000 note, which implies a conversion price of $6.17 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.  We may redeem all or a portion of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds (i) on or after August 14, 2022, if certain conditions related to the price of our shares have been satisfied, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount and (ii) on or after August 14, 2023, at specified redemption prices.

We recorded the conversion feature of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds, measured at its estimated fair value of $46 million, to additional paid-in capital.  We estimated the fair value by employing a binomial lattice model and by using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the expected volatility of the market price for our shares.  Perestroika AS, an entity affiliated with one of our directors that beneficially owns approximately 10 percent of our shares, exchanged $356 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $213 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds.  Perestroika AS has certain registration rights related to its shares and shares that may be issued in connection with any exchange of its Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds.  At December 31, 2020, Perestroika AS held $213 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds.

Exchangeable senior bonds—In the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with the Songa acquisition transactions, we issued $863 million aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Senior Bonds, as partial consideration for the Songa shares and as consideration for refinancing certain Songa indebtedness.  The Exchangeable Senior Bonds may be converted at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date at the current exchange rate of 97.29756 shares per $1,000 note, which implies a conversion price of $10.28 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.  We estimated the aggregate fair value of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds, measured as of the issuance date, to be $1.0 billion, which represented a substantial premium of $172 million above par, and we recorded such premium to additional paid-in capital.  We estimated the fair value using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments.  At December 31, 2019, Perestroika AS held $356 million aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Senior Bonds, which were exchanged for $213 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds.  See Note 21—Subsequent Event.

Senior secured notes—On February 1, 2019, we issued $550 million aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Secured Notes, and we received $539 million aggregate cash proceeds, net of discount and issue costs.  The 6.875% Senior Secured Notes are

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secured by the assets and earnings associated with the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Poseidon and the equity of the wholly owned subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rig.  Additionally, we are required to maintain certain balances in restricted cash accounts to satisfy debt service requirements.  We are required to pay semiannual installments of (a) interest only through August 2021 and (b) principal and interest thereafter.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 6.875% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to February 1, 2022 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

On May 24, 2019, we issued $525 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes, and we received $517 million aggregate cash proceeds, net of discount and issue costs.  The 5.375% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and earnings associated with the harsh environment floaters Transocean Endurance and Transocean Equinox and the equity of the wholly owned subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rigs.  Additionally, we are required to maintain certain balances in restricted cash accounts to satisfy debt service requirements.  We are required to pay semiannual installments of principal and interest.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to May 15, 2021 at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

In July 2018, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Secured Notes and $600 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% Senior Secured Notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $733 million and $586 million, respectively, net of discount and issue costs.  The 5.875% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and earnings associated with the harsh environment floaters Transocean Enabler and Transocean Encourage and the equity of the wholly owned subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rigs.  The 6.125% Senior Secured Notes are secured by the assets and earnings associated with the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Pontus and the equity of the wholly owned subsidiaries that own or operate the collateral rig.  Additionally, we are required to maintain certain balances in restricted cash accounts to satisfy debt service and reserve requirements.  We are required to pay semiannual installments of principal and interest.  We may redeem all or a portion of the 5.875% Senior Secured Notes or the 6.125% Senior Secured Notes on or prior to July 15, 2021 or August 1, 2021, respectively, at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount plus a make-whole premium, and subsequently, at specified redemption prices.

Encumbered assets—At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had restricted cash and cash equivalents of $365 million and $386 million, respectively, deposited in restricted accounts to satisfy debt service and reserve requirements for the senior secured notes.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the rigs encumbered for the senior secured notes, including Deepwater Conqueror, Deepwater Pontus, Deepwater Proteus, Deepwater Thalassa, Deepwater Poseidon, Transocean Enabler, Transocean Encourage, Transocean Endurance and Transocean Equinox, had an aggregate carrying amount of $6.1 billion and $6.3 billion, respectively.  We will be required to redeem the senior secured notes at a price equal to 100 percent of the aggregate principal amount without a make-whole premium, upon the occurrence of certain events related to the respective collateral rigs and the related drilling contracts.

Debt restructuring, repayment and retirement

Restructuring and early retirement—During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we restructured or retired certain notes as a result of exchange offers, private exchanges, redemption, tender offers and open market repurchases.  We recorded the Exchange Transactions completed in August 2020 and September 2020 under ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructuring by Debtors.  The aggregate principal amounts, cash payments and recognized gain or loss for such transactions were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

2020

2019

2018

  

Exchanged

  

Redeemed

  

Tendered

Repurchased

  

Total

  

Tendered

  

Repurchased

  

Total

Repurchased

6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020

$

$

$

38

$

15

$

53

$

57

$

23

$

80

$

6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021

37

77

69

183

63

43

106

3.80% Senior Notes due October 2022

136

10

16

162

190

32

222

95

0.50% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due January 2023

397

4

401

5.375% Senior Secured Notes due May 2023

103

43

146

9.00% Senior Notes due July 2023

714

714

200

336

536

7.25% Senior Notes due November 2025

207

132

339

7.50% Senior Notes due January 2026

181

181

8.00% Senior Notes due February 2027

138

138

7.45% Notes due April 2027

35

35

8.00% Debentures due April 2027

35

35

7.00% Notes due June 2028

39

39

7.50% Notes due April 2031

192

192

6.80% Senior Notes due March 2038

390

390

7.35% Senior Notes due December 2041

123

123

Aggregate principal amount restructured or retired

$

1,910

$

714

$

360

$

147

$

3,131

$

510

$

434

$

944

$

95

Aggregate cash payment

$

10

$

767

$

222

$

110

$

1,109

$

522

$

449

$

971

$

95

Aggregate principal amount of debt issued in exchanges

$

925

$

$

$

$

925

$

$

$

$

Aggregate net gain (loss)

$

427

$

(65)

$

135

$

36

$

533

$

(18)

$

(23)

$

(41)

$

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Debt assumption and repayment—In connection with the Songa acquisition, we assumed the rights and obligations under certain credit agreements, a subscription agreement and bond loan agreements.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, we made an aggregate cash payment equivalent to $1.65 billion to repay the outstanding debt obligations and terminate these agreements, and as a result, we recognized a loss of $3 million associated with the repayment of debt.

Scheduled maturities and installments—On the scheduled maturity date of November 16, 2020, we made a cash payment of $153 million to repay the outstanding 6.50% senior notes due November 2020, at a price equal to the aggregate principal amount.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we made an aggregate cash payment of $375 million, $354 million and $257 million, respectively, to repay other indebtedness in scheduled installments.

Note 10—Income Taxes

Overview—Transocean Ltd., a holding company and Swiss resident, is exempt from cantonal and communal income tax in Switzerland, but is subject to Swiss federal income tax.  For Swiss federal income taxes, qualifying net dividend income and net capital gains on the sale of qualifying investments in subsidiaries are exempt.  Consequently, there is not a direct relationship between our Swiss earnings before income taxes and our Swiss income tax expense.

Tax provision and rate—Our provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates applicable in the jurisdictions in which we operate and earn income.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, our effective tax rate was (5.1) percent, (4.9) percent and (12.8) percent, respectively, based on loss before income tax expense.  The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period considering, among other factors, (a) the overall level of income before income taxes, (b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues rather than income before taxes, (c) rig movements between taxing jurisdictions and (d) our rig operating structures.

The components of our income tax provision (benefit) were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

 

Current tax expense (benefit)

 

$

(33)

$

(189)

$

244

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

60

248

(16)

Income tax expense

 

$

27

$

59

$

228

A reconciliation of the income tax benefit computed at the Swiss holding company federal statutory rate of 7.83% and our reported consolidated income tax expense was as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

 

Income tax benefit at Swiss federal statutory rate

 

$

(42)

$

(94)

$

(139)

Earnings subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate

82

189

(86)

Losses on impairment

52

35

114

Deemed profits taxes

19

22

8

Withholding taxes

6

11

8

Base erosion and anti-abuse tax

5

21

33

Benefit from foreign tax credits

(2)

(8)

(5)

Currency revaluation

(4)

5

11

Changes in unrecognized tax benefits, net

(15)

(268)

117

Effect of U.S. CARES Act

(28)

Changes in valuation allowance

(31)

37

67

Effect of operating structural changes

98

Effect of U.S. tax reform

104

Other, net

(15)

11

(4)

Income tax expense

 

$

27

$

59

$

228

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), enacted in March 2020, included certain changes to U.S. tax law, including, among others, extending up to five years the carryback period for net operating losses generated in tax years between December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2021.  In the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an income tax benefit of $28 million related to the carryback of our net operating losses under this provision.

In the year ended December 31, 2017, the U.S. introduced certain changes to tax law (“U.S. tax reform”), such as, among others, a transition tax and a base erosion and anti-abuse tax.  In the year ended December 31, 2018, to calculate the one-time transition tax, we completed the evaluation of our unremitted earnings and profits of certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries that owned by U.S. subsidiaries for which the necessary information was not previously available, and we recorded income tax expense of $120 million for transition taxes, partially offset by $16 million for the utilization of estimated foreign tax credits.  In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we

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recognized income tax expense of $21 million and $33 million, respectively, related to the bareboat charter structure of our U.S. operations, a significant portion of which is contractually reimbursable by our customers due to a change-in-law provision in certain drilling contracts.

Deferred taxes—The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):

December 31, 

 

   

2020

   

2019

 

Deferred tax assets

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

$

809

$

571

Interest expense limitation

72

77

Accrued payroll costs not currently deductible

46

45

United Kingdom charter limitation

40

36

Tax credit carryforwards

21

22

Accrued expenses

18

16

Deferred income

14

41

Loss contingencies

3

38

Other

27

24

Valuation allowance

(685)

(716)

Total deferred tax assets

365

154

Deferred tax liabilities

Depreciation

(658)

(361)

Contract intangible amortization

(6)

(23)

Other

(7)

(16)

Total deferred tax liabilities

(671)

(400)

Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net

 

$

(306)

$

(246)

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our deferred tax assets included U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards of $21 million and $22 million, respectively, which will expire between 2024 and 2030.  Deferred tax assets related to our net operating losses were generated in various worldwide tax jurisdictions.  At December 31, 2020, our net deferred tax assets related to our net operating loss carryforwards included $572 million, which do not expire, and $237 million, which will expire between 2021 and 2037.

As of December 31, 2020, our consolidated cumulative loss incurred over the recent three-year period represented significant objective negative evidence for the evaluation of the realizability of our deferred tax assets.  Although such evidence has limited our ability to consider other subjective evidence, we evaluate each jurisdiction separately.  We consider objective evidence, such as contract backlog activity, in jurisdictions in which we have profitable contracts, and the ability to carryback losses or utilize losses against potential exposures.  If estimated future taxable income changes during the carryforward periods or if the cumulative loss is no longer present, we may adjust the amount of deferred tax assets that we expect to realize.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, due to uncertainty of realization, we had a valuation allowance of $685 million and $716 million, respectively, on net operating losses and other deferred tax assets.

Our deferred tax liabilities include taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that are not indefinitely reinvested.  As of December 31, 2020, we consider the earnings of certain of our subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested, and we have not provided for deferred taxes on earnings of such subsidiaries.  If we were to make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries with indefinitely reinvested earnings, we may be subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions.  However, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of tax that would ultimately be due if remitted.  If we were to change our expectations about distributing earnings of these subsidiaries, we may be required to record additional deferred taxes that could have a material effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Unrecognized tax benefits—The changes to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties that we recognize as a component of income tax expense, were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

 

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

335

$

408

$

222

Additions for current year tax positions

90

144

29

Additions for prior year tax positions

11

6

172

Reductions related to statute of limitation expirations and changes in law

(7)

(138)

(8)

Reductions for prior year tax positions

(51)

(66)

(7)

Reductions due to settlements

(19)

Balance, end of period

 

$

378

$

335

$

408

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Our unrecognized tax benefits, including related interest and penalties that we recognize as a component of income tax expense, were as follows (in millions):

December 31, 

 

2020

   

2019

 

Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties

$

378

$

335

Interest and penalties

41

34

Unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties

$

419

$

369

In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized, as a component of our income tax provision, expense of $7 million, benefit of $72 million and expense of $13 million, respectively, related to interest and penalties associated with our unrecognized tax benefits.  As of December 31, 2020, we have unrecognized benefits of $419 million, including interest and penalties, of which $261 million are netted against net operating loss deferred tax assets resulting in net unrecognized tax benefits of $158 million, including interest and penalties, that upon reversal would favorably impact our effective tax rate.  During the year ending December 31, 2021, it is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease, primarily due to the progression of open audits and the expiration of statutes of limitation.  However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential changes in our existing liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.

Tax returns—We file federal and local tax returns in several jurisdictions throughout the world.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to examinations of our U.S. and non-U.S. tax matters for years prior to 2014.  Our tax returns in the significant jurisdictions in which we operate, other than Brazil, as mentioned below, are generally subject to examination for periods ranging from three to six years.  Tax authorities in certain jurisdictions are examining our tax returns and, in some cases, have issued assessments.  We are defending our tax positions in those jurisdictions.  While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the timing or the outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect the ultimate liability to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position or results of operations, although it may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of cash flows.

Brazil tax investigations—In December 2005, the Brazilian tax authorities began issuing tax assessments with respect to our tax returns for the years 2000 through 2004.  In May 19, 2014, the Brazilian tax authorities issued an additional tax assessment for the years 2009 and 2010.  We filed protests with the Brazilian tax authorities for the assessments and are currently engaged in the appeals process.  During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, a portion of two cases were favorably closed.  As of December 31, 2020, the remaining aggregate tax assessment, including interest and penalties, was for corporate income tax of BRL 640 million, equivalent to approximately $123 million, and indirect tax of BRL 95 million, equivalent to $18 million.  We believe our returns are materially correct as filed, and we are vigorously contesting these assessments.  An unfavorable outcome on these proposed assessments could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Other tax matters—We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in countries throughout the world.  Each country has its own tax regimes with varying nominal rates, deductions and tax attributes.  From time to time, we may identify changes to previously evaluated tax positions that could result in adjustments to our recorded assets and liabilities.  Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these changes, we do not expect the effect, if any, resulting from these adjustments to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 11—Loss Per Share

The computation of basic and diluted loss per share was as follows (in millions, except per share data):

Years ended December 31, 

 

2020

2019

2018

 

Numerator for loss per share, basic and diluted

Net loss attributable to controlling interest

$

(567)

$

(1,255)

$

(1,996)

Denominator for loss per share, basic and diluted

Weighted-average shares outstanding

614

611

467

Effect of share-based awards

1

1

1

Weighted-average shares for per share calculation

615

612

468

Loss per share, basic and diluted

$

(0.92)

$

(2.05)

$

(4.27)

In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we excluded from the calculation 10.8 million, 12.0 million and 10.6 million share-based awards, respectively, since the effect would have been anti-dilutive.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we excluded from the calculation 84.0 million, 84.0 million and 77.2 million shares, respectively, issuable upon conversion of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and the Exchangeable Senior Bonds since the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Note 12—Postemployment Benefit Plans

Defined contribution plans

We sponsor defined contribution plans for our employees in most markets in which we operate worldwide, the most significant of which were as follows: (1) a qualified savings plan covering certain eligible employees working in the U.S., (2) various savings plans covering eligible employees working in Norway, (3) a non-qualified savings plan covering certain eligible employees working outside the U.S., the U.K. and Norway and (4) a qualified savings plan covering certain eligible employees working in the U.K.  In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized expense of $56 million, $52 million and $50 million, respectively, related to our defined contribution plans globally.

Defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit plans

Overview—As of December 31, 2020, we had defined benefit plans in the U.S., the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), and Norway, all of which have ceased accruing benefits.  As of December 31, 2020, in the U.S., we had three funded and three unfunded defined benefit plans (the “U.S. Plans”); in the U.K., we had one funded defined benefit plan (the “U.K. Plan”); and after terminating the majority of our plans in Norway as required by local authorities, we had two remaining defined benefit plans, one funded and one unfunded (the “Norway Plans” and, together with the U.K. Plan, the “Non-U.S. Plans”).  Additionally, we maintain certain unfunded other postemployment benefit plans (collectively, the “OPEB Plans”), under which benefits to eligible participants diminish during a phase-out period ending December 31, 2025.  We maintain the benefit obligations under our plans until they are fully satisfied.

Net periodic benefit costs—We estimated our net periodic benefit costs using the following weighted-average assumptions:

Year ended December 31, 2020

Year ended December 31, 2019

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

 

OPEB

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

Discount rate

3.27

2.10

2.39

4.32

2.86

3.56

3.68

2.49

2.93

%

Expected rate of return

5.90

3.10

na

6.20

4.39

na

6.21

4.72

na

“na” means not applicable.

Net periodic benefit costs recognized included the following components (in millions):

Year ended December 31, 2020

Year ended December 31, 2019

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

 

 

Plans

  

Plans

  

Plans

  

Total

  

Plans

  

Plans

  

Plans

  

Total

  

Plans

  

Plans

  

Plans

  

Total

  

Net periodic benefit costs

Service cost

$

$

1

$

$

1

$

$

7

$

$

7

$

$

7

$

$

7

Interest cost

55

8

63

63

10

1

74

61

10

1

72

Expected return on plan assets

(67)

(14)

(81)

(71)

(17)

(88)

(72)

(19)

(91)

Special termination benefits

1

1

Settlements and curtailments

1

12

13

1

2

3

(1)

(4)

(5)

Actuarial loss, net

9

1

1

11

3

3

8

1

9

Prior service gain, net

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

Net periodic benefit costs (income)

$

(2)

$

8

$

(1)

$

5

$

(4)

$

2

$

(1)

$

(3)

$

(3)

$

(2)

$

(4)

$

(9)

Funded status—We estimated our benefit obligations using the following weighted-average assumptions:

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

 

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

   

Plans

 

Discount rate

2.60

1.50

1.21

3.27

2.13

2.39

%

Expected long-term rate of return

5.51

%

3.20

na

5.91

%

3.18

na

“na” means not applicable.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

The changes in projected benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status and the amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in millions):

Year ended December 31, 2020

Year ended December 31, 2019

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

 

Change in projected benefit obligation

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period

 

$

1,696

$

395

$

17

$

2,108

$

1,527

$

338

$

17

$

1,882

Actuarial (gains) losses, net

148

46

1

195

202

45

1

248

Service cost

1

1

7

7

Interest cost

55

8

63

63

10

1

74

Currency exchange rate changes

9

9

14

14

Benefits paid

(72)

(24)

(2)

(98)

(72)

(19)

(2)

(93)

Settlements

(2)

(52)

(54)

(24)

(24)

Plan amendment

1

1

Projected benefit obligation, end of period

1,825

384

16

2,225

1,696

395

17

2,108

Change in plan assets

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period

1,369

430

1,799

1,189

378

1,567

Actual return on plan assets

267

50

317

272

39

311

Currency exchange rate changes

6

6

16

16

Employer contributions

3

9

2

14

4

16

2

22

Benefits paid

(72)

(24)

(2)

(98)

(72)

(19)

(2)

(93)

Settlements

(2)

(51)

(53)

(24)

(24)

Fair value of plan assets, end of period

1,565

420

1,985

1,369

430

1,799

Funded status, end of period

 

$

(260)

$

36

$

(16)

$

(240)

$

(327)

$

35

$

(17)

$

(309)

Balance sheet classification, end of period:

Pension asset, non-current

 

$

$

37

$

$

37

$

$

42

$

$

42

Pension liability, current

(1)

(1)

(3)

(5)

(1)

(1)

(3)

(5)

Pension liability, non-current

(259)

(13)

(272)

(326)

(6)

(14)

(346)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes

242

80

(10)

312

304

84

(12)

376

Accumulated benefit obligation, end of period

$

1,825

$

384

$

16

$

2,225

$

1,696

$

385

$

17

$

2,098

The aggregate projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows (in millions):

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

 

Projected benefit obligation

 

$

1,825

$

2

$

16

$

1,843

$

1,696

$

56

$

17

$

1,769

Fair value of plan assets

1,565

1

1,566

1,369

49

1,418

The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows (in millions):

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

$

1,825

$

2

$

16

$

1,843

$

1,696

$

1

$

17

$

1,714

Fair value of plan assets

1,565

1

1,566

1,369

1,369

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income) that have not been recognized were as follows (in millions):

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

 

Actuarial loss, net

 

$

242

$

78

$

2

$

322

$

304

$

84

$

2

$

390

Prior service cost, net

2

(12)

(10)

(14)

(14)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), before taxes

 

$

242

$

80

$

(10)

$

312

$

304

$

84

$

(12)

$

376

Plan assets—The weighted-average target and actual allocations of assets for the funded defined benefit plans were as follows:

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

Target allocation

Actual allocation

Target allocation

Actual allocation

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

 

Equity securities

50

%  

27

%  

55

%  

25

%  

50

%  

24

%  

51

%  

27

%

Fixed income securities

50

%  

73

%  

45

%  

74

%  

50

%  

60

%  

49

%  

56

%

Other investments

%

%  

%

1

%  

16

%  

17

%

Total

100

%  

100

%  

100

%  

100

%  

100

%  

100

%  

100

%  

100

%

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

We periodically review our investment policies, plan assets and asset allocation strategies to evaluate performance relative to specified objectives.  In determining our asset allocation strategies for the U.S. Plans, we review the results of regression models to assess the most appropriate target allocation for each plan, given the plan’s status, demographics and duration.  For the U.K. Plan, the plan trustees establish the asset allocation strategies consistent with the regulations of the U.K. pension regulators and in consultation with financial advisors and company representatives.  Investment managers for the U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan are given established ranges within which the investments may deviate from the target allocations.  For the Norway Plans, which are group pension schemes with life insurance companies, we establish minimum rates of return under the terms of the investment contracts.

The investments for the funded defined benefit plans were categorized as follows (in millions):

December 31, 2020

 

Significant observable inputs

Significant other observable inputs

Total

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

 

Mutual funds

U.S. equity funds

 

$

586

$

$

586

$

$

$

$

586

$

$

586

Non-U.S. equity funds

263

263

7

103

110

270

103

373

Bond funds

699

699

4

310

314

703

310

1,013

Total mutual funds

1,548

1,548

11

413

424

1,559

413

1,972

Other investments

Cash and money market funds

6

6

12

6

6

12

Property collective trusts

Investment contracts

1

1

1

1

Total other investments

6

6

12

1

1

6

7

13

Total investments

 

$

1,554

$

6

$

1,560

$

11

$

414

$

425

$

1,565

$

420

$

1,985

December 31, 2019

 

Significant observable inputs

Significant other observable inputs

Total

 

U.S.

Non-U.S.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

 

Mutual funds

U.S. equity funds

 

$

480

$

$

480

$

1

$

$

1

$

481

$

$

481

Non-U.S. equity funds

216

216

5

115

120

221

115

336

Bond funds

656

656

6

240

246

662

240

902

Total mutual funds

1,352

1,352

12

355

367

1,364

355

1,719

Other investments

Cash and money market funds

5

4

9

5

4

9

Property collective trusts

20

20

20

20

Investment contracts

51

51

51

51

Total other investments

5

4

9

71

71

5

75

80

Total investments

 

$

1,357

$

4

$

1,361

$

12

$

426

$

438

$

1,369

$

430

$

1,799

The U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan invest primarily in passively managed funds that reference market indices.  The funded Norway Plan is subject to contractual terms under selected insurance programs.  The plan investment managers have discretion to select the securities held within each asset category.  Given this discretion, the managers may occasionally invest in our debt or equity securities and may hold either long or short positions in such securities.  As the plan investment managers are required to maintain well diversified portfolios, the actual investment in our securities would be immaterial relative to asset categories and the overall plan assets.

Funding contributions—In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we made an aggregate contribution of $14 million, $22 million and $17 million, respectively, to the defined benefit pension plans and the OPEB Plans using our cash flows from operations.  In the year ending December 31, 2021, we expect to make an aggregate contribution of $11 million, including $8 million and $3 million to the defined benefit pension plans and the OPEB Plans, respectively.

Benefit payments—The projected benefits payments were as follows (in millions):

U.S.

Non-U.S.

OPEB

 

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Plans

    

Total

 

Years ending December 31,

2021

 

$

80

$

7

$

3

$

90

2022

81

7

3

91

2023

82

8

3

93

2024

83

8

3

94

2025

83

10

3

96

2026 - 2030

422

59

1

482

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase and service agreement obligations

We have purchase obligations with shipyards and other contractors primarily related to our newbuild construction programs.  We also have long-term service agreements with original equipment manufacturers to provide services and parts, primarily related to our pressure control systems.  The future payments required under our service agreements were estimated based on our projected operating activity and may vary subject to actual operating activity.  At December 31, 2020, the aggregate future payments required under our purchase obligations and our service agreement obligations were as follows (in millions):

Service

Purchase

agreement

    

obligations

obligations

Years ending December 31,

2021

 

$

933

$

103

2022

1

116

2023

121

2024

126

2025

130

Thereafter

307

Total

 

$

934

$

903

Letters of credit and surety bonds

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $24 million and $19 million, respectively, issued under various committed and uncommitted credit lines provided by banks to guarantee various contract bidding, performance activities and customs obligations.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we also had outstanding surety bonds totaling $153 million and $113 million, respectively, to secure customs obligations related to the importation of our rigs and certain performance and other obligations.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate cash collateral held by institutions to secure our letters of credit and surety bonds was $8 million and $10 million, respectively.

Legal proceedings

Debt exchange litigation and purported notice of default—Prior to the consummation of the Exchange Transactions (see Note 9—Debt), we completed certain internal reorganization transactions (the “Internal Reorganization”).  In September 2020, funds managed by, or affiliated with, Whitebox Advisors LLC (“Whitebox”) as holders of certain series of our notes subject to the Exchange Offers, filed a claim (the “Claim”) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”) related to such certain internal reorganization transactions and the Exchange Offers.  Additionally, in September and October 2020, Whitebox and funds managed by, or affiliated with, Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, as debtholders, together with certain other advisors and debtholders, provided purported notices of alleged default with respect to the indentures governing, respectively, the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes and the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes.

On September 23, 2020, we filed an answer to the Claim with the Court and asserted counterclaims seeking a declaratory judgment that, among other matters, the Internal Reorganization did not cause a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes.  Concurrently, with our answer and counterclaims, we also submitted a motion for summary judgment seeking an expedited judgment on our request for declaratory judgment.  Whitebox subsequently submitted a cross-motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of our counterclaims.  On November 30, 2020, while awaiting the Court’s ruling on our motion for summary judgment, we amended certain of our financing documents and implemented certain internal reorganization transactions, which resolved the allegations contained in the purported notices of default.  On December 17, 2020, the Court issued its ruling granting our motion for summary judgment and denying the plaintiff’s cross-motion for summary judgment, holding, among other matters, that the allegations contained in the purported notice of default did not constitute a default under the indenture governing the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes.  Whitebox has appealed the Court’s ruling.

The facts alleged in the purported notice of default under the 8.00% Guaranteed Notes were the same as the facts underlying the Claim and the purported notice of default under the 7.25% Guaranteed Notes.  Accordingly, following the amendment and internal reorganization transactions on November 30, 2020, and the subsequent ruling from the Court granting our motion for summary judgment, we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Macondo well incident—As of December 31, 2020, all significant litigation, including civil and criminal claims, resulting from the blowout of the Macondo well that caused a fire and explosion on the ultra-deepwater floater Deepwater Horizon off the coast of Louisiana had been resolved.  At December 31, 2019, the remaining liability for estimated loss contingencies that were probable and for which a reasonable estimate could be made was $124 million, recorded in other current liabilities, the majority of which was related to the settlement agreement that we and the Plaintiff Steering Committee filed in May 2015 (the “PSC Settlement Agreement”) with the U.S. District Court for

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

the Eastern District of Louisiana (the “MDL Court”), the court in which most claims against us were consolidated by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.  In the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the MDL Court released $33 million and $58 million, respectively, from and escrow account established by the MDL Court to satisfy our obligations under the PSC Settlement Agreement.  At December 31, 2019, the remaining cash balance in the escrow account was $125 million, recorded in restricted cash accounts and investments.  In June 2020, the MDL Court released the remaining assets held in the escrow account to satisfy our remaining obligations under the PSC Settlement Agreement.

Asbestos litigation—In 2004, several of our subsidiaries were named, along with numerous other unaffiliated defendants, in complaints filed in the Circuit Courts of the State of Mississippi, and in 2014, a group of similar complaints were filed in Louisiana.  The plaintiffs, former employees of some of the defendants, generally allege that the defendants used or manufactured asbestos containing drilling mud additives for use in connection with drilling operations, claiming negligence, products liability, strict liability and claims allowed under the Jones Act and general maritime law.  The plaintiffs generally seek awards of unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, but the court-appointed special master has ruled that a Jones Act employer defendant, such as us, cannot be sued for punitive damages.  At December 31, 2020, eight plaintiffs have claims pending in Louisiana, in which we have or may have an interest.  We intend to defend these lawsuits vigorously, although we can provide no assurance as to the outcome.  We historically have maintained broad liability insurance, although we are not certain whether insurance will cover the liabilities, if any, arising out of these claims.  Based on our evaluation of the exposure to date, we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these claims to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

One of our subsidiaries has been named as a defendant, along with numerous other companies, in lawsuits arising out of the subsidiary’s manufacture and sale of heat exchangers, and involvement in the construction and refurbishment of major industrial complexes alleging bodily injury or personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos.  As of December 31, 2020, the subsidiary was a defendant in approximately 255 lawsuits with a corresponding number of plaintiffs.  For many of these lawsuits, we have not been provided sufficient information from the plaintiffs to determine whether all or some of the plaintiffs have claims against the subsidiary, the basis of any such claims, or the nature of their alleged injuries.  The operating assets of the subsidiary were sold in 1989.  In September 2018, the subsidiary and certain insurers agreed to a settlement of outstanding disputes that provided the subsidiary with cash and an annuity.  Together with a coverage-in-place agreement with certain insurers and additional coverage issued by other insurers, we believe the subsidiary has sufficient resources to respond to both the current lawsuits as well as future lawsuits of a similar nature.  While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the outcome of these matters, we do not expect the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from these claims to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Other matters—We are involved in various tax matters, various regulatory matters, and a number of claims and lawsuits, asserted and unasserted, all of which have arisen in the ordinary course of our business.  We do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these other matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  We cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any of the litigation matters specifically described above or of any such other pending, threatened, or possible litigation or liability.  We can provide no assurance that our beliefs or expectations as to the outcome or effect of any tax, regulatory, lawsuit or other litigation matter will prove correct and the eventual outcome of these matters could materially differ from management’s current estimates.

Environmental matters

We have certain potential liabilities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and similar state acts regulating cleanup of hazardous substances at various waste disposal sites, including those described below.  CERCLA is intended to expedite the remediation of hazardous substances without regard to fault.  Potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) for each site include present and former owners and operators of, transporters to and generators of the substances at the site.  It is difficult to quantify the potential cost of environmental matters and remediation obligations.  Liability is strict and can be joint and several.

One of our subsidiaries was named as a PRP in connection with a site located in Santa Fe Springs, California, known as the Waste Disposal, Inc. site.  We and other PRPs agreed, under a participation agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) and the U.S. Department of Justice, to settle our potential liabilities by remediating the site.  The remedial action for the site was completed in 2006.  Our share of the ongoing operating and maintenance costs has been insignificant, and we do not expect any additional potential liabilities to be material.  Resolutions of other claims by the EPA, the involved state agency or PRPs are at various stages of investigation.  Nevertheless, based on available information, we do not expect the ultimate liability, if any, resulting from all environmental matters, including the liability for all related pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims, the potential claims in Alhambra, California, for which tests detected no contaminants, and known potential legal claims that are likely to be asserted, to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 14—Equity

Shares held by subsidiaries—One of our subsidiaries holds our shares for future use to satisfy our obligations to deliver shares in connection with awards granted under our incentive plans or other rights to acquire our shares.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our subsidiary held 24.5 million and 6.1 million shares, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Accumulated other comprehensive loss—The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, presented net of tax, for our defined benefit pension plans were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31,

    

2020

    

2019

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

$

(324)

$

(279)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

38

(25)

Reclassifications to net loss

23

4

Other comprehensive income (loss), net

61

(21)

Effect of adopting accounting standards update

(24)

Balance, end of period

 

$

(263)

$

(324)

Redeemable noncontrolling interest—Until June 11, 2018, we owned a 65 percent interest in Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Ltd. (“ADDCL”), a Cayman Islands company and variable interest entity for which we concluded that we were the primary beneficiary.  Angco Cayman Limited (“Angco Cayman”) owned the remaining a 35 percent interest in ADDCL.  Under the terms of ADDCL’s governing documents, Angco Cayman had the right to require us to purchase its interest in ADDCL for cash, and accordingly, we presented the carrying amount of Angco Cayman’s ownership interest as redeemable noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets.  We also had the right under ADDCL’s governing documents to require Angco Cayman to sell us its interest, and we exercised that right.  On June 11, 2018, pursuant to a settlement requiring no cash payment, we acquired the interests in ADDCL not previously owned by us, and ADDCL became our wholly owned subsidiary.  In connection with the acquisition, we reallocated the $53 million aggregate carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interest to additional paid-in capital.

Note 15—Share-Based Compensation

Overview

We have a long-term incentive plan (the “Long-Term Incentive Plan”) for executives, key employees and non-employee directors under which awards can be granted in the form of restricted share units, restricted shares, stock options, stock appreciation rights and cash performance awards.  Awards may be granted as service awards that are earned over a defined service period or as performance awards that are earned based on the achievement of certain market factors or performance targets or a combination of market factors and performance targets.  Our compensation committee of our board of directors determines the terms and conditions of the awards granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.  At December 31, 2020, we had 62.9 million shares authorized and 22.0 million shares available to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.  At December 31, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to our unvested share-based awards was $24 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

Service awards typically vest either in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant or in an aggregate installment at the end of the stated vesting period.  Performance awards typically are subject to a three-year measurement period during which the number of options or shares to be issued remains uncertain until the end of the measurement period, at which time the awarded number of options or shares to be issued is determined.  The performance awards typically vest in one aggregate installment following the determination date.  Stock options are subject to a stated vesting period and, once vested, typically have a seven-year term during which they are exercisable.

Service awards

Restricted share units—A restricted share unit is a notional unit that is equal to one share but has no voting rights until the underlying share is issued.  The following table summarizes unvested activity for service-based units granted under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2020:

Number

Weighted-average

 

of

grant-date fair value

 

    

units

    

per unit

 

Unvested at January 1, 2020

4,719,578

$

9.11

 

Granted

7,093,421

1.41

Vested

(2,817,155)

8.63

Forfeited

(92,874)

7.25

Unvested at December 31, 2020

8,902,970

$

3.14

In the year ended December 31, 2020, the vested service-based units had an aggregate grant-date fair value of $24 million.  During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we granted 3,044,494 and 2,521,939 service-based units, respectively, with a per unit weighted-average grant-date fair value of $8.33 and $9.67, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had 2,224,030 and 2,087,141 service-based units, respectively, that vested with an aggregate grant-date fair value of $23 million and $27 million, respectively.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Stock options—The following table summarizes activity for vested and unvested service-based stock options outstanding under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2020:

Weighted-average

 

Number

Weighted-average

remaining

Aggregate

 

of shares

exercise price

contractual term

intrinsic value

 

    

under option

    

per share

    

(years)

    

(in millions)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2020

4,864,425

$

14.48

7.34

$

Forfeited

(358,414)

18.53

Expired

(120,864)

81.32

Outstanding at December 31, 2020

4,385,147

$

12.31

6.62

$

Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2020

3,029,699

$

13.98

6.08

$

In the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the vested stock options had an aggregate grant-date fair value of $12 million, $10 million and $6 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were outstanding unvested stock options to purchase 1,355,448 and 2,651,514 shares, respectively.  During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we granted stock options to purchase 1,594,528 and 1,249,266 shares, respectively, with a per option weighted-average grant-date fair value of $8.35 and $9.18, respectively.

Performance awards

Restricted share units—We grant performance awards in the form of restricted share units that can be earned depending on the achievement of market factors.  The number of shares ultimately earned per unit is quantified upon completion of the specified period at the determination date.  The following table summarizes unvested activity for performance-based units under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2020:

Number

Weighted-average

 

of

grant-date fair value

 

    

units

    

per unit

 

Unvested at January 1, 2020

2,081,619

$

10.78

Granted

2,530,460

1.80

Vested

(999,332)

10.79

Forfeited

(51,863)

10.78

Unvested at December 31, 2020

3,560,884

$

4.40

In each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the vested performance-based units had an aggregate grant-date fair value of $11 million.  During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we granted 1,067,316 and 1,074,054 performance-based units, respectively, with a per unit weighted-average grant-date fair value of $10.77 and $10.79, respectively.

Note 16—Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Other current liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):

December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

 

Other current liabilities

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

 

$

224

$

207

Accrued interest

128

169

Accrued taxes, other than income

66

73

Finance lease liability

37

35

Operating lease liabilities

8

13

Deferred revenues

133

100

Contingent liabilities

60

180

Other

3

4

Total other current liabilities

 

$

659

$

781

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Other long-term liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):

December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

 

Other long-term liabilities

Postemployment benefit plan obligations

 

$

272

$

346

Finance lease liability

407

444

Operating lease liabilities

114

116

Income taxes payable

202

179

Deferred revenues

323

429

Other

48

41

Total other long-term liabilities

 

$

1,366

$

1,555

Note 17—Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The reconciling adjustments of our net cash provided by operating activities that were attributable to the net change in other operating assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

 

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities

Decrease in accounts receivable

 

$

67

$

87

$

180

(Increase) decrease in other assets

(113)

(30)

3

Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities

(254)

(21)

(154)

Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities

2

(34)

80

Change in income taxes receivable / payable, net

(69)

(303)

125

Change in receivables from / payables to affiliates, net

14

(10)

 

$

(353)

$

(311)

$

234

Additional cash flow information was as follows (in millions):

Years ended December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

    

2018

 

Certain cash operating activities

Cash payments for interest

 

$

593

$

648

$

570

Cash payments for income taxes

70

121

151

Non-cash investing and financing activities

Capital additions, accrued at end of period (a)

$

15

$

48

$

30

Issuance of debt in exchange transactions (b)

925

Equity component of exchangeable debt (c)

46

Issuance of shares in business combinations (d)

2,112

Issuance of debt in business combination (e)

1,026

(a) Additions to property and equipment for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable at the end of the period.  See Note 6—Drilling Fleet.
(b) In connection with the Exchange Transactions, we issued $687 million and $238 million aggregate principal amount of the 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes and the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds, respectively.  See Note 9—Debt.
(c) In connection with the issuance of the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds, we recorded the conversion feature, measured at its estimated fair value, to additional paid-in capital.  See Note 9—Debt.
(d) In connection with our acquisition of Songa and Ocean Rig, we issued 66.9 million and 147.7 million shares, respectively, with an aggregate fair value of $735 million and $1.4 billion, respectively.  See Note 3—Business Combinations.
(e) In connection with our acquisition of Songa, we issued $854 million aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Senior Bonds as partial consideration to Songa shareholders and settlement for certain Songa indebtedness.  See Note 3—Business Combinations.

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

Note 18—Financial Instruments

Overview—The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in millions):

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

 

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

 

    

amount

    

value

    

amount

    

value

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,154

$

1,154

$

1,790

$

1,790

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

406

406

558

558

Long-term debt, including current maturities

7,807

4,820

9,261

8,976

We estimated the fair value of each class of financial instruments, for which estimating fair value is practicable, by applying the following methods and assumptions:

Cash and cash equivalents—Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily invested in demand deposits, short-term time deposits and money market funds.  The carrying amount of our cash and cash equivalents represents the historical cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value because of the short maturities of the instruments.

Restricted cash and cash equivalents—Our restricted cash and cash equivalents, which are subject to restrictions due to collateral requirements, legislation, regulation or court order, are primarily invested in demand deposits, short-term time deposits and money market funds.  The carrying amount of our restricted cash and cash equivalents represents the historical cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value because of the short maturities of the instruments.

Debt—The carrying amount of our debt represents the principal amount, net of unamortized discounts, premiums, debt issue costs and fair value adjustments.  We measured the estimated fair value of our debt using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments.

Note 19—Risk Concentration

Interest rate risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of interest rate risk include our restricted and unrestricted cash equivalents and debt.  We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our restricted and unrestricted cash equivalents, as the interest income earned on these investments is based on variable or short-term interest rates, which change with market interest rates.  We are also exposed to the interest rate risk related to our fixed-rate debt when we refinance maturing debt with new debt or when we repurchase or retire debt in open market repurchases or other market transactions.

Currency exchange rate risk—We are exposed to currency exchange rate risk related to our international operations.  This risk is primarily associated with compensation costs of our employees and purchasing costs from non-U.S. suppliers, which are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  We use a variety of techniques to minimize the exposure to currency exchange rate risk, including the structuring of customer contract payment terms and occasional use of forward exchange contracts.  Our primary strategy for currency exchange rate risk management involves structuring customer contracts to provide for payment in both U.S. dollars and local currency.  The payment portion denominated in local currency is based on anticipated local currency requirements over the contract term.  Due to various factors, including customer acceptance, local banking laws, national content requirements, other statutory requirements, local currency convertibility and the impact of inflation on local costs, actual local currency needs may vary from those anticipated in the customer contracts, resulting in partial exposure to currency exchange rate risk.  The currency exchange effect resulting from our international operations generally has not had a material impact on our operating results.

Credit risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily restricted and unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables, both current and long-term.  We generally maintain our restricted and unrestricted cash and cash equivalents in time deposits at commercial banks with high credit ratings or mutual funds, which invest exclusively in high-quality money market instruments.  We limit the amount of exposure to any one institution and do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk.

We earn our revenues by providing our drilling services to integrated oil companies, government-owned or government-controlled oil companies and other independent oil companies.  Our receivables are dispersed in various countries.  We establish an allowance for credit losses by applying an expected loss rate based on current and forecasted future and historical experience.  Although we have encountered only isolated credit concerns related to independent oil companies, we occasionally require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.  In certain instances, when we determine that collection is not reasonably assured, we may occasionally offer extended payment terms and recognize revenues associated with the contract on a cash basis.

Labor agreements—At December 31, 2020, we had a global workforce of approximately 5,350 individuals, including approximately 530 contractors.  Approximately 43 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Norway, Brazil and the U.K., are represented by, and some of our contracted labor work is subject to, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject to annual salary negotiation.  Negotiations over annual salary or other labor matters could result in higher personnel or other costs or increased operational restrictions or disruptions.  The outcome of any such negotiation generally affects the market for all offshore employees,

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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—continued

not only union members.  Furthermore, a failure to reach an agreement on certain key issues could result in strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages.

Note 20—Operating Segments, Geographic Analysis and Major Customers

Operating segments—We operate in a single, global market for the provision of contract drilling services to our customers.  The location of our rigs and the allocation of our resources to build or upgrade rigs are determined by the activities and needs of our customers.

Geographic analysis—The aggregate carrying amount of our long-lived assets, including our property and equipment and our right-of-use assets, disaggregated by country in which they were located, was as follows (in millions):

December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2019

 

Long-lived assets

U.S.

 

$

6,007

$

6,259

Norway

3,560

3,203

Greece

3,294

2,760

Other countries (a)

5,347

7,194

Total long-lived assets

 

$

18,208

$

19,416

(a) Other countries represents the aggregate value for countries in which we operate that individually had attributable long-lived assets representing less than 10 percent of consolidated long-lived assets.

For a geographic disaggregation of our contract drilling revenues, see Note 5—Revenues.  Because the majority of our assets are mobile, the geographic locations of such assets at the end of the periods are not necessarily indicative of the geographic distribution of the operating revenues generated by such assets during the periods presented.  Our international operations are subject to certain political and other uncertainties, including risks of war and civil disturbances or other market disrupting events, expropriation of equipment, repatriation of income or capital, taxation policies, and the general hazards associated with certain areas in which we operate.  Although we are organized under the laws of Switzerland, we have minimal assets in Switzerland, and we do not conduct any operations or have operating revenues in Switzerland.

Major customers—For the year ended December 31, 2020, Royal Dutch Shell plc (together with its affiliates, “Shell”), Equinor ASA (together with its affiliates, “Equinor”) and Chevron Corporation (together with its affiliates, “Chevron”) accounted for approximately 28 percent, 27 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues.  For the year ended December 31, 2019, Shell, Equinor and Chevron accounted for approximately 26 percent, 21 percent and 17 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues.  For the year ended December 31, 2018, Shell, Chevron and Equinor accounted for approximately 26 percent, 21 percent and 18 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues.

Note 21—Subsequent Event

Private exchanges—On February 26, 2021, we completed privately negotiated transactions to exchange $323 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Exchangeable Senior Bonds for $294 million aggregate principal amount of new 4.00% Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds due 2025 (the “New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds”) and an aggregate cash payment of $11 million.  The New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds are guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and the same subsidiaries of Transocean Inc. that guarantee the Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds and 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes.  In addition, the New Senior Guaranteed Exchangeable Bonds have an initial exchange rate of 190.4762 Transocean Ltd. shares per $1,000 note, which implies a conversion price of $5.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events.

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Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

We have not had a change in or disagreement with our accountants within 24 months prior to the date of our most recent financial statements or in any period subsequent to such date.

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures—Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is (1) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, who is our principal executive officer, and our Chief Financial Officer, who is our principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.

Internal control over financial reporting—There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.  See “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” included in Item 8 of this annual report.

Item 9B.Other Information

None.

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PART III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.Executive Compensation

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Item 13.Certain Relationships, Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2021 annual general meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within 120 days of December 31, 2020.  Certain information with respect to our executive officers is set forth at the end of Part I of this annual report under the caption “Information About our Executive Officers.”

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PART IV

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)Index to Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits

(1) Index to Financial Statements

Included in Part II of this report:

Page

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

41

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

42

Consolidated Statements of Operations

45

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

46

Consolidated Balance Sheets

47

Consolidated Statements of Equity

48

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

49

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

50

Financial statements of unconsolidated subsidiaries are not presented herein because such subsidiaries do not meet the significance test.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(In millions)

Additions

Charge to

Balance at

Charge to cost

other

Balance at

beginning of

and

accounts

Deductions

end of

    

period

    

expenses

    

-describe

    

-describe

    

period

Year ended December 31, 2018

Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for excess materials and supplies

141

12

19

(a)  

134

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

574

67

40

(b)

681

Year ended December 31, 2019

Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for excess materials and supplies

134

3

10

(a)  

127

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

681

37

2

(c)

716

Year ended December 31, 2020

Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for credit losses

2

(d)

2

Allowance for excess materials and supplies

127

25

9

(a)  

143

Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets

716

(31)

685

(a) Amount related to materials and supplies on rigs and related assets sold or classified as held for sale.
(b) Amount related to the following: (i) adjustments of $26 million to the valuation allowance and related deferred tax assets with a corresponding entry to accumulated deficit associated with our adoption of the accounting standards update that requires an entity to recognize in the period in which it occurs the income tax consequences of an intra entity transfer of an asset other than inventory and (ii) an adjustment of $14 million to the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets acquired in business combinations.
(c) Amount related to adjustments to other deferred tax assets with valuation allowances.
(d) Amount related to an adjustment to the allowance for credit losses with a corresponding entry to accumulated deficit associated with our adoption of the accounting standards update that requires an entity to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on financial assets ranging from short-term trade accounts receivable to long-term financings without retrospective application.

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(3) Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed or furnished herewith, as indicated, or incorporated by reference to the location indicated:

Number

Description

Location

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 3, 2018, by and among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Oceanus Holdings Limited, Transocean Oceanus Limited and Ocean Rig UDW Inc.

Exhibit 2.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 4, 2018

3.1

Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd.

Exhibit 3.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 11, 2020

3.2

Organizational Regulations of Transocean Ltd., adopted November 18, 2016

Exhibit 3.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on November 23, 2016

4.1

Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed herewith

4.2

Credit Agreement dated June 22, 2018, among Transocean Inc., the lenders parties thereto and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent.

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on June 27, 2018

4.3

Increase of Commitments and First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated May 13, 2019, among Transocean Inc., the lenders and issuing banks parties thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the limited purposes set forth therein, Transocean Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’ s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 13, 2019

4.4

Increase of Commitments, Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Guaranties, dated July 15, 2019, among Transocean Inc., the lenders and issuing banks parties thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the limited purposes set forth therein, Transocean Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’ s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 15, 2019

4.5

Curative Agreement, dated September 24, 2019, between Transocean Inc. and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders under the Credit Agreement dated June 22, 2018, as amended

Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’ s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter ended September 30, 2019

4.6

Increase of Commitments and Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated December 23, 2019, among Transocean Inc., the lenders and issuing banks parties thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the limited purposes set forth therein, Transocean Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries

Exhibit 4.6 to Transocean Ltd’s Annual Report on Form 10K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on February 18, 2020

4.7

Indenture, dated July 13, 2018, by and among Transocean Guardian Limited, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 17, 2018

4.8

Indenture, dated July 20, 2018, by and among Transocean Pontus Limited, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 24, 2018

4.9

First Supplemental Indenture, dated April 15, 2019, by and among Transocean Pontus Limited, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent, and the Note Parties, supplementing the Indenture dated as of July 20, 2018

Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter ended March 31, 2019

4.10

Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997 between Transocean Offshore Inc. and Texas Commerce Bank National Association, as trustee

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997

4.11

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997 between Transocean Offshore Inc. and Texas Commerce Bank National Association, as trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997

Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997

4.12

Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 1999 between Transocean Offshore (Texas) Inc., Transocean Offshore Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, as trustee

Exhibit 4.5 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-59001-99) filed on June 29, 1999

4.13

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2008, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee

Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 19, 2008

4.14

Form of 7.45% Notes due April 15, 2027

Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997

4.15

Form of 8.00% Debentures due April 15, 2027

Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997

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Table of Contents

Number

Description

Location

4.16

Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.50% Notes due April 15, 2031

Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on April 9, 2001

4.17

Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.375% Notes due April 15, 2018

Exhibit 4.14 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001

4.18

Indenture dated as of September 1, 1997, between Global Marine Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to Debt Securities of Global Marine Inc.

Exhibit 4.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-39033) filed on October 30, 1997

4.19

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 23, 2000, between Global Marine Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to Debt Securities of Global Marine Inc.

Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the quarter ended June 30, 2000

4.20

Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 20, 2001, between Global Marine Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to Debt Securities of Global Marine Inc.

Exhibit 4.2 to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended December 31, 2004

4.21

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2019, among Global Marine Inc, Transocean Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, relating to Debt Securities of Global Marine Inc.

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on July 29, 2019

4.22

Form of 7% Note Due 2028

Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-05471) filed on May 22, 1998

4.23

Terms of 7% Notes Due 2028

Exhibit 4.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-05471) filed on May 22, 1998

4.24

Senior Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.36 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the year ended December 31, 2007

4.25

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.37 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the year ended December 31, 2007

4.26

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2008, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee

Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 19, 2008

4.27

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2010, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2010

4.28

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2011, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee

Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 5, 2011

4.29

Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2012, among Transocean Inc., Transocean Ltd. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee

Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on September 13, 2012

4.30

Indenture, dated as of July 21, 2016, by and among Transocean Inc., the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on July 22, 2016

4.31

Indenture, dated as of October 19, 2016, by and among Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc., Triton Capital II GmbH and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on October 20, 2016

4.32

First Supplemental Indenture, dated April 15, 2019, by and among Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent, and the Note Parties supplementing the Indenture dated as of October 19, 2016

Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter ended March 31, 2019

4.33

Indenture, dated December 8, 2016, by and among Transocean Proteus Limited, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 8, 2016

4.34

First Supplemental Indenture, dated April 15, 2019, by and among Transocean Proteus Limited, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent, and the Note Parties, supplementing the Indenture dated as of December 8, 2016

Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter ended March 31, 2019

4.35

Indenture dated as of October 17, 2017, by and among Transocean Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on October 17, 2017

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Table of Contents

Number

Description

Location

4.36

Indenture, dated January 30, 2018, among Transocean Inc., Transocean Ltd., as guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company N.A. and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as co-trustees

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 30, 2018

4.37

Form of 0.50% Exchangeable Senior Bonds due 2023

Exhibit A of Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 30, 2018

4.38

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2018, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc., and the security holders named therein

Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 30, 2018

4.39

Indenture, dated October 25, 2018, among Transocean Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee

Exhibit 4.32 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on February 19, 2019

4.40

Indenture, dated February 1, 2019, by and among Transocean Poseidon Limited, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on February 1, 2019

4.41

Indenture, dated May 24, 2019, by and among Transocean Sentry Limited, the Guarantors and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 29, 2019

4.42

Indenture, dated January 17, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on January 17, 2020

4.43

Indenture, dated as of August 14, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on August 14, 2020

4.44

Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2020, by and among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Perestroika (Cyprus) Ltd.

Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on August 14, 2020

4.45

Indenture, dated as of September 11, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 11, 2020

4.46

Supplemental Indenture, dated November 30, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc., Transocean Ltd., certain of Transocean Inc.’s subsidiaries, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated as of September 11, 2020.

Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on December 1, 2020

4.47

Supplemental Indenture, dated November 30, 2020, by and among Transocean Inc., Transocean Ltd., certain of Transocean Inc.’s subsidiaries, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated as of August 14, 2020.

Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on December 1, 2020

4.48

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated November 30, 2020, among Transocean Inc., the lenders and issuing banks parties thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and for the limited purposes set forth therein, certain of Transocean Inc.’s subsidiaries.

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on December 1, 2020.

*

10.1

Amended and Restated 2015 Transocean Ltd. Long-Term Incentive Plan

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 11, 2020

10.2

Form of Voting and Support Agreement, by and among Transocean Ltd. and certain shareholders of Ocean Rig UDW Inc.

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 4, 2018

10.3

Form of Voting and Support Agreement, by and among Ocean Rig UDW Inc. and certain shareholders of Transocean Ltd.

Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on September 4, 2018.

*

10.4

Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as amended and restated as of February 12, 2009)

Exhibit 10.5 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008

*

10.5

First Amendment to Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as amended and restated as of February 12, 2009)

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on May 22, 2013

*

10.6

Deferred Compensation Plan of Transocean Offshore Inc., as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000

Exhibit 10.10 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the year ended December 31, 1999

*

10.7

GlobalSantaFe Corporation Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2001 and Amendment to GlobalSantaFe Corporation Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan effective November 20, 2001

Exhibit 10.33 to the GlobalSantaFe Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended December 31, 2004

*

10.8

Amendment to Transocean Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 29, 2005

*

10.9

Form of 2004 Performance-Based Nonqualified Share Option Award Letter

Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on February 15, 2005

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Table of Contents

Number

Description

Location

*

10.10

Form of 2004 Director Deferred Unit Award

Exhibit 10.4 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on February 15, 2005

*

10.11

Form of 2008 Director Deferred Unit Award

Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008

*

10.12

Form of 2009 Director Deferred Unit Award

Exhibit 10.19 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2009

*

10.13

Terms and Conditions of 2013 Director Deferred Unit Award

Exhibit 10.14 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2015

*

10.14

Terms and Conditions of 2014 Director Deferred Unit Award

Exhibit 10.15 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2015

*

10.15

Terms and Conditions of 2015 Director Restricted Share Unit Award

Exhibit 10.16 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2015

*

10.16

Terms and Conditions of 2014 Executive Equity Award

Exhibit 10.19 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2015

*

10.17

Terms and Conditions of 2015 Executive Equity Award

Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2015

10.18

Terms and Conditions of the July 2008 Nonqualified Share Option Award

Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008

*

10.19

Terms and Conditions of the February 2009 Nonqualified Share Option Award

Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008

*

10.20

Terms and Conditions of the February 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan Award

Exhibit 10.28 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2011

*

10.21

Transocean Ltd. Incentive Recoupment Policy

Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2012

10.22

Form of Novation Agreement dated as of November 27, 2007 by and among GlobalSantaFe Corporation, Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc. and certain executives

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 3, 2007

*

10.23

Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan

Exhibit 10.18 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the year ended December 31, 1991

*

10.24

First Amendment to Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan

Exhibit 10.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the quarter ended June 30, 1995

*

10.25

Second Amendment to Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan

Exhibit 10.37 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the year ended December 31, 1996

*

10.26

1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan

GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-7070) filed June 13, 1997

*

10.27

Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan

Exhibit 10.25 of GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended December 31, 1998

*

10.28

Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan, dated December 1, 1999

Exhibit 10.33 of GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended December 31, 1999

*

10.29

GlobalSantaFe Corporation 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan

Exhibit 10.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the quarter ended March 31, 1998

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Table of Contents

Number

Description

Location

*

10.30

First Amendment to GlobalSantaFe Corporation 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan

Exhibit 10.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-05471) for the quarter ended June 30, 2000

*

10.31

GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Incentive Plan

Exhibit 4.8 of GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-73878) filed on November 21, 2001

*

10.32

GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Exhibit A to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s definitive proxy statement (Commission File No. 001-14634) filed on March 21, 2001

*

10.33

GlobalSantaFe 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective June 7, 2005)

Exhibit 10.4 to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the quarter ended June 30, 2005

*

10.34

Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2009

Exhibit 10.41 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008

*

10.35

Transocean U.S. Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of November 27, 2007

Exhibit 10.11 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 3, 2007

*

10.36

GlobalSantaFe Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

Exhibit 10.1 to the GlobalSantaFe Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the quarter ended September 30, 2002

*

10.37

Transocean U.S. Supplemental Savings Plan

Exhibit 10.44 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008

10.38

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between Transocean Ltd. and each of its Directors and Executive Officers

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on October 10, 2008

*

10.39

Form of Assignment Memorandum for Executive Officers

Exhibit 10.6 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 19, 2008

10.40

Drilling Contract between Vastar Resources, Inc. and R&B Falcon Drilling Co. dated December 9, 1998 with respect to Deepwater Horizon, as amended

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

*

10.41

Executive Severance Benefit Policy

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on February 23, 2012

10.42

Term Sheet Agreement for a Transocean and PSC/DHEPDS Settlement, dated May 20, 2015, among Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Holdings LLC, the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in MDL 2179, and the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Class

Exhibit 10.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended June 30, 2015

10.43

Confidential Settlement Agreement, Mutual Releases and Agreement to Indemnify, dated May 20, 2015, among Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Holdings LLC, Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, BP Exploration and Production Inc. and BP America Production Co.

Exhibit 10.6 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended June 30, 2015

10.44

Transocean Punitive Damages and Assigned Claims Settlement Agreement, dated May 29, 2015, among Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Holdings LLC, Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in MDL 2179, and the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Class

Exhibit 10.7 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended June 30, 2015

*

10.45

Employment Agreement with Keelan Adamson dated August 10, 2018

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on August 14, 2018.

*

10.46

Employment Agreement with Jeremy D. Thigpen effective September 1, 2016

Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2016

*

10.47

Employment Agreement with Mark L. Mey effective September 1, 2016

Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2016

*

10.48

Amended and Restated Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan of Transocean Ltd.

Filed herewith

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Table of Contents

Number

Description

Location

*

10.49

Terms and Conditions of 2020 Executive Equity Awards

Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter ended June 30, 2020

*

10.50

Terms and Conditions of 2020 Director Restricted Share Unit Award

Exhibit 10.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-38373) for the quarter ended June 30, 2020

21

Subsidiaries of Transocean Ltd.

Filed herewith

23.1

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

Filed herewith

24

Powers of Attorney

Filed herewith

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Filed herewith

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Filed herewith

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Furnished herewith

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Furnished herewith

101

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language: (i) our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; (ii) our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; (iii) our consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; (iv) our consolidated statements of equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; (v) our consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018; and (vi) the notes to consolidated financial statements

Filed herewith

104

The cover page from our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language

Filed herewith

*

Compensatory plan or arrangement

Exhibits listed above as previously having been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Rule 12b-32 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and made a part hereof with the same effect as if filed herewith.

Certain instruments relating to our long-term debt and our subsidiaries have not been filed as exhibits since the total amount of securities authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of our total assets and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.  We agree to furnish a copy of each such instrument to the SEC upon request.

Certain agreements filed as exhibits to this Report may contain representations and warranties by the parties to such agreements.  These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreements and (1) may be intended not as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate, (2) may have been qualified by certain disclosures that were made to other parties in connection with the negotiation of such agreements, which disclosures are not reflected in such agreements, and (3) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors.

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned; thereunto duly authorized, on February 26, 2021.

TRANSOCEAN LTD.

By:

/s/ Mark L. Mey

Mark L. Mey

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

By:

/s/ David Tonnel

David Tonnel

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

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Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated on February 26, 2021.

Signature

Title

*

Chairman
of the Board of Directors

Chadwick C. Deaton

/s/ Jeremy D. Thigpen

President and
Chief Executive Officer

Jeremy D. Thigpen

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Mark L. Mey

Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Mark L. Mey

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ David Tonnel

Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer

David Tonnel

(Principal Accounting Officer)

*

Director

Glyn A. Barker

*

Director

Vanessa C.L. Chang

*

Director

Frederico F. Curado

*

Director

Tan Ek Kia

*

Director

Vincent J. Intrieri

*

Director

Samuel Merksamer

*

Director

Frederick W. Mohn

*

Director

Edward R. Muller

*

Director

Diane de Saint Victor

By: /s/ David Tonnel

(Attorney-in-Fact)

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- 87 -

Exhibit 4.1

DESCRIPTION OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.’S SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

As of February 16, 2021, Transocean Ltd. had two classes of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended: registered shares, par value CHF 0.10 per share (“shares”) and the exchangeable bonds due 2023 (“Exchangeable Bonds”).

Description of the Shares

The following description of Transocean Ltd.’s shares is a summary and is subject to the complete text of our Articles of Association, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-38373) filed on May 11, 2020. We encourage you to read the Articles of Association carefully. In this description, references to “Transocean,” “we,” ”our,” and “us” mean Transocean Ltd.

Description of Share Capital

Issued Share Capital. As of February 16, 2021, the share capital of Transocean registered shares in the commercial register, which reflects Transocean’s total issued share capital, excluding shares issued out of Transocean’s conditional share capital not yet registered with the commercial register, was CHF 63,967,441.40, divided into 639,674,414 registered Transocean shares, par value 0.10 Swiss francs per share. The total issued share capital of Transocean, including Transocean shares issued out of Transocean’s conditional share capital not yet registered with the commercial register, was 63,967,616.50 Swiss francs, divided into 639,676,165 registered Transocean shares, par value 0.10 Swiss francs per share. The issued Transocean shares are fully paid, non-assessable, and rank pari passu with each other and all other Transocean shares.

General Authorized Share Capital. Our board of directors is authorized to issue new shares at any time until May 7, 2022 and thereby increase the stated share capital by a maximum amount of 18,497,450.30 Swiss francs by issuing a maximum of 184,974,503 shares. Our general authorized share capital expires on May 7, 2022.

Our board of directors determines the time of the issuance, the issuance price, the manner in which the new Transocean shares have to be paid in, the date from which the new Transocean shares carry the right to dividends and, subject to the provisions of our Articles of Association, the conditions for the exercise of the preemptive rights with respect to the issuance and the allotment of preemptive rights that are not exercised. The board of directors may allow preemptive rights that are not exercised to expire, or it may place such rights or Transocean shares, the preemptive rights in respect of which have not been exercised, at market conditions or use them otherwise in our interest. A withdrawal of preemptive rights with respect to shares issued out of our authorized capital is limited to 61,658,167 shares.  For further information on preemptive rights with respect to our authorized share capital, see “—Preemptive Rights and Advance Subscription Rights” below.

An increase of the share capital (i) by means of an offering underwritten by a financial institution, a syndicate of financial institutions or another third party or third parties, followed by an offer to the then-existing shareholders of Transocean, and (ii) in partial amounts shall be permissible.

The shares will be subject to the limitations for registration in the share register pursuant to Articles 7 and 9 of Transocean’s Articles of Association.

Conditional Share Capital. Article 6 of Transocean’s Articles of Association has not yet been updated to reflect the issuance of 1,751 shares following the exercise of certain of our Exchangeable Bonds. Accordingly, the remaining authority to issue shares out of conditional share capital is limited to a maximum of 142,363,647 shares; these shares may be issued through:

the exercise of conversion, exchange, option, warrant or similar rights for the subscription of shares granted to third parties or shareholders in connection with bonds, options, warrants or other securities newly or

already issued in national or international capital markets or new or already existing contractual obligations by or of us or any of our group companies or any of our respective predecessors; or

in connection with the issuance of shares, options or other share-based awards to members of the board of directors, members of our executive management, employees, contractors, consultants or other persons providing services to us or our subsidiaries.

For information on preemptive rights with respect to our conditional share capital, see “—Preemptive Rights and Advance Subscription Rights” below.

Other Classes or Series of Transocean Shares / Non-voting stock (Genussscheine / Partizipationsscheine). The board of directors may not create Transocean shares with increased voting powers without the affirmative resolution adopted by shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting rights and an absolute majority of the par value of the Transocean shares, each as represented (in person or by proxy) at a general meeting of the shareholders. Our board of directors may create preferred stock with the vote of a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of our shareholders (not counting broker non-votes, abstentions and blank or invalid ballots).

Transocean has not issued any non-voting stock to date (Partizipationsscheine, Genussscheine).

Preemptive Rights and Advance Subscription Rights

Under the Swiss Code of Obligations (the “Swiss Code”), the prior approval of a general meeting of shareholders is generally required to authorize, for later issuance, the issuance of Transocean shares, or rights to subscribe for, or convert into, Transocean shares (which rights may be connected to debt instruments or other obligations). In addition, the existing shareholders will have preemptive rights in relation to such Transocean shares or rights in proportion to the respective par values of their holdings. The shareholders may, with the affirmative vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting rights and a majority of the par value of the Transocean shares represented at the general meeting, withdraw or limit the preemptive rights for valid reasons (such as a merger, an acquisition or any of the reasons authorizing the board of directors to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of shareholders in the context of an authorized capital increase as described below).

If the general meeting of shareholders has approved the creation of authorized or conditional capital, it may delegate the decision whether to withdraw or limit the preemptive and advance subscription rights for valid reasons to the board of directors. However, the valid reasons justifying the exclusion of the preemptive right must be stated in the articles of association. Our Articles of Association provide for this delegation and state the valid reasons with respect to our authorized and conditional share capital in the circumstances described below under “—General Authorized Share Capital” and “—Conditional Share Capital.”

General Authorized Share Capital. At any time until May 7, 2022 and pursuant to Article 5 of Transocean’s Articles of Association, the board of directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of the shareholders with respect to a maximum of 61,658,167 shares and to allot them to individual shareholders or third parties with respect to the issuance of shares from authorized capital if:

the issue price of the new shares is determined by reference to the market price;
the shares are issued in connection with the acquisition of an enterprise or participations or any part of an enterprise or participations, the financing or refinancing of any such transactions or the financing of our new investment plans;
the shares are issued in connection with the intended broadening of the shareholder constituency of Transocean in certain financial or investor markets, for the purposes of the participation of strategic partners, or in connection with the listing of the shares on domestic or foreign stock exchanges;

in connection with a placement or sale of shares, the grant of an over-allotment option of up to 20% of the total number of shares in a placement or sale of shares to the initial purchasers or underwriters; or
for the participation of directors, members of our executive management team, employees, contractors, consultants and other persons performing services for our benefit or the benefit of any of our subsidiaries.

Conditional Share Capital. In connection with the issuance of bonds, notes, warrants or other financial instruments or contractual obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our shares, the preemptive rights of shareholders are excluded and the board of directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the advance subscription rights of shareholders in connection with the issuance of bonds, notes, warrants or other securities or contractual obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our shares if the issuance is for purposes of financing or refinancing the acquisition of an enterprise or business, parts of an enterprise, participations or investments, or if the issuance occurs in national or international capital markets or through a private placement.

If the advance subscription rights are withdrawn or limited:

the respective financial instruments or contractual obligations will be issued or entered into at market conditions;
the conversion, exchange or exercise price, if any, for instruments or obligations will be set with reference to the market conditions prevailing at the date on which the instruments or obligations are issued or entered into; and
the instruments or obligations may be converted, exercised or exchanged during a maximum period of 30 years.

The preemptive rights and the advance subscription rights of shareholders are excluded with respect to shares, bonds, notes, warrants or other securities or contractual obligations issued from our conditional share capital to directors, members of executive management, employees, contractors, consultants or other persons providing services to us or any of our subsidiaries.

Dividends and Other Distributions

Under the Swiss Code, dividends may be paid out only if we have sufficient distributable profits from the previous fiscal year, or if we have freely distributable reserves (including contribution reserves, which are also referred to as additional paid-in capital), each as will be presented on our audited annual standalone statutory balance sheet. The affirmative vote of shareholders holding a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of shareholders (not counting abstentions and blank or invalid ballots) must approve the distribution of dividends. The board of directors may propose to shareholders that a dividend or other distribution be paid but cannot itself authorize the distribution.

Payments out of our share capital (in other words, the aggregate par value of our registered share capital) in the form of dividends are not allowed; however, payments out of registered share capital may be made by way of a par value reduction. Such a par value reduction requires the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the votes cast at the general meeting of shareholders (not counting abstentions and blank or invalid ballots). A special audit report must confirm that claims of our creditors remain fully covered despite the reduction in the share capital recorded in the commercial register. A licensed audit expert must prepare the audit report and be present at the general meeting of shareholders that adopts the resolution.  Upon approval by the general meeting of shareholders of the capital reduction, the board of directors must give public notice of the par value reduction resolution in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce three times and notify creditors that they may request, within two months of the third publication, satisfaction of or security for their claims.

Under the Swiss Code, if our general reserves amount to less than 20% of our share capital recorded in the commercial register (i.e., 20% of the aggregate par value of our registered capital), then at least 5% of our annual profit must be


retained as general reserves. The Swiss Code and our Articles of Association permit us to accrue additional general reserves. In addition, if we acquire our own shares, we would be required to account for these shares, if acquired by our parent company Transocean Ltd., as a negative item in our shareholders’ equity or, if these shares are acquired by one of our subsidiaries, to create a special reserve, in each case  on our audited annual standalone statutory balance sheet in the amount of the purchase price of the shares repurchased by our parent or our subsidiary. The negative item in our shareholders’ equity or the resere amount would effectively reduce our capacity to declare dividends or effect subsequent repurchases of our shares.

Swiss companies generally must maintain a separate company, stand-alone “statutory” balance sheet for the purpose of, among other things, determining the amounts available for the return of capital to shareholders, including by way of a distribution of dividends. Our auditor must confirm that a proposal made by the board of directors to shareholders regarding the appropriation of our available earnings or the distribution of freely distributable reserves conforms to the requirements of the Swiss Code and our Articles of Association. Dividends are usually due and payable shortly after the shareholders have passed a resolution approving the payment, but shareholders may also resolve at the annual general meeting of shareholders to pay dividends in quarterly or other installments. Our Articles of Association provide that dividends that have not been claimed within five years after the payment date become our property and are allocated to the general reserves. Dividends paid out of distributable profits or distributable general reserves are subject to Swiss withholding tax, all or part of which can potentially be reclaimed under the relevant tax rules in Switzerland or double taxation treaties concluded between Switzerland and foreign countries. Distributions to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction and distributions out of qualifying additional paid-in capital are not subject to the Swiss federal withholding tax.

Dividends, if declared by us, are expected to be declared, subject to applicable limitations under Swiss law, in U.S. dollars, or in Swiss francs, and shareholders may be given the right to elect to be paid any such dividends in U.S. dollars or Swiss francs. Distribution through a reduction in the par value of the shares must be declared in Swiss francs; however, shareholders may be provided with the option to elect to be paid in U.S. dollars or Swiss francs.

Repurchases of Shares

The Swiss Code limits our ability to hold or repurchase our own shares. We and our subsidiaries may only repurchase shares if and to the extent that sufficient freely distributable equity capital is available, as described above under “—Dividends and Other Distributions.” The aggregate par value of all of our shares held by us and our subsidiaries may not exceed 10% of the registered share capital. However, we may repurchase our own shares beyond the statutory limit of 10% if the shareholders have passed a resolution at a general meeting of shareholders authorizing the board of directors to repurchase shares in an amount in excess of 10% and the repurchased shares are dedicated for cancellation. Any shares repurchased pursuant to such an authorization will then be cancelled at a general meeting of shareholders upon the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the votes cast at the general meeting. Repurchased shares held by us or our subsidiaries do not carry any rights to vote at a general meeting of shareholders but are, unless otherwise resolved by our shareholders at a general meeting, entitled to the economic benefits generally associated with the shares.

General Meetings of Shareholders

The general meeting of shareholders is our supreme corporate body. Ordinary and extraordinary shareholders meetings may be held. Among other things, the following powers will be vested exclusively in the shareholders meeting:

adoption and amendment of our Articles of Association;
the annual election of the chairman of the board of directors, the members of the board of directors, the members of the compensation committee of the board of directors, the auditor and the independent proxy;
approval of the annual management report, the stand-alone statutory financial statements and the consolidated financial statements;

appropriation of the annual profit shown on our annual stand-alone statutory balance sheet, in particular the distribution of any dividends;
discharge of the members of the board of directors and the executive management team from liability for business conduct during the previous fiscal year(s) to the extent such conduct is known to the shareholders;
ratification of the maximum aggregate amounts of compensation of the board of directors and the executive management team;

subject to certain exceptions, the approval of a business combination with an interested shareholder (as such terms are defined in our Articles of Association); and
any other resolutions that are submitted to a general meeting of shareholders pursuant to law, our Articles of Association or by voluntary submission by the board of directors (unless a matter is within the exclusive competence of the board of directors pursuant to the Swiss Code).

Notice and Proxy Statements

Under the Swiss Code and our Articles of Association, we must hold an annual, ordinary general meeting of shareholders within six months after the end of our fiscal year for the purpose, among other things, of approving the annual financial statements and the annual management report, the annual election of our chairman of the board of directors, the members of the board of directors, the members of the compensation committee of our board of directors, our auditor and our independent proxy, and the ratification of the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the board of directors and the executive management team. The invitation to general meetings must be published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce at least 20 calendar days prior to the date of the relevant general meeting of shareholders. The notice of a meeting must state the items on the agenda and the proposals of the board of directors and of the shareholders who requested that a shareholders meeting be held or that an item be included on the agenda and, in case of elections, the names of the nominated candidates. No resolutions may be passed at a shareholders meeting concerning agenda items for which proper notice was not given. This does not apply, however, to proposals made during a shareholders meeting to convene an extraordinary shareholders meeting or to initiate a special investigation. No previous notification will be required for proposals concerning items included on the agenda or for debates as to which no vote is taken.

Annual general meetings of shareholders are convened by the board of directors or, under certain circumstances required by law, by the auditor. A general meeting of shareholders can be held anywhere.

We expect to set the record date for each general meeting of shareholders on a date not more than 20 calendar days prior to the date of each general meeting and announce the date of the general meeting of shareholders prior to the record date.

Extraordinary General Meetings of Shareholders

An extraordinary general meeting may be called upon the resolution of the board of directors or, under certain circumstances required by law, by the auditor. In addition, the board of directors is required to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders if so resolved by the general meeting of shareholders, or if so requested by shareholders holding an aggregate of at least 10% of the share capital recorded in the commercial register or according to the views expressed in legal writing, which is a persuasive authority in Switzerland, holding shares with an aggregate par value of CHF 1 million, specifying the items for the agenda and their proposals, or if it appears from the annual stand-alone statutory balance sheet that half of our share capital recorded in the commercial register and legal reserves are not covered by our assets. In the latter case, the board of directors must immediately convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders and propose financial restructuring measures.

Agenda Requests


Under our Articles of Association, any shareholder may request that an item be included on the agenda of a general meeting of shareholders. Such shareholder may also nominate one or more directors for election. A request for inclusion of an item on the agenda or a nominee must be made in writing at least 30 calendar days prior to the anniversary date of the proxy statement in connection with our last general meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that if the date of the general meeting of shareholders is more than 30 calendar days before or after the anniversary date of the last annual general meeting of shareholders, such request must instead be made by the tenth calendar day following the date on which we have made public disclosure of the date of the general meeting of shareholders. The request must specify in writing the relevant agenda items and motions, together with evidence of the required shares recorded in the share register, as well as any other information as would be required to be included in a proxy statement pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under the Swiss Code, a general meeting of shareholders for which a notice of meeting has been duly published may not be adjourned without publishing a new notice of meeting.

Our annual report, our compensation report pursuant to Swiss law and the auditor’s reports must be made available for inspection by the shareholders at our registered office in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug, Switzerland, no later than 20 calendar days prior to the annual general meeting of shareholders. Each shareholder is entitled to request immediate delivery of a copy of these documents free of charge. Shareholders of record will be notified of this in writing.

Voting

Each of our shares carries one vote at a general meeting of shareholders. Voting rights may be exercised by shareholders registered in our share register or by a duly appointed proxy of a registered shareholder (including the independent proxy), which proxy need not be a shareholder. Our Articles of Association do not limit the number of shares that may be voted by a single shareholder. Shareholders wishing to exercise their voting rights who hold their shares through a bank, broker or other nominee should follow the instructions provided by such bank, broker or other nominee or, absent instructions, contact such bank, broker or other nominee for instructions. Shareholders holding their shares through a bank, broker or other nominee will not automatically be registered in our share register. If any such shareholder wishes to be registered in our share register, such shareholder should contact the bank, broker or other nominee through which it holds our shares.

Treasury shares, whether owned by us or one of our majority-owned subsidiaries, will not be entitled to vote at general meetings of shareholders.

Our Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors.

Pursuant to our Articles of Association, the shareholders generally pass resolutions by the affirmative vote of a relative majority of the votes cast at the general meeting of shareholders (broker nonvotes, abstentions and blank and invalid ballots will be disregarded), unless otherwise provided by law or our Articles of Association. However, our Articles of Association provide that directors may be elected at a general meeting of shareholders by a plurality of the votes cast by the shareholders present in person or by proxy at the meeting. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines have a majority vote policy that provides that the board may nominate only those candidates for director who have submitted an irrevocable letter of resignation which would be effective upon and only in the event that (1) such nominee fails to receive a sufficient number of votes from shareholders in an uncontested election and (2) the board accepts the resignation following such failure. If a nominee who has submitted such a letter of resignation does not receive more votes cast “for” than “against” the nominee’s election, the corporate governance committee must promptly review the letter of resignation and recommend to the board whether to accept the tendered resignation or reject it. The board must then act on the corporate governance committee’s recommendation within 90 days following the shareholder vote. The board must promptly disclose its decision regarding whether or not to accept the nominee’s resignation letter.

The acting chair may direct that resolutions and elections be held by use of an electronic voting system. Electronic resolutions and elections are considered equal to resolutions and elections taken by way of a written ballot. Pursuant to legislation temporarily enacted by the Swiss Federal Council in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, currently in effect until December 31, 2021 (subject to further extensions), we may, regardless of the number of shareholders attending the general meeting of shareholders and without complying with the 20-calendar day period for convening


general meetings, restrict the personal attendance of shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders and request shareholders to exercise their voting rights exclusively (i) in writing or electronically or (ii) through our independent proxy. We must give notice to our shareholders of any such restriction no later than four calendar days before the date of the general meeting of shareholders.

The Swiss Code and/or our Articles of Association require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting rights and a majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented at a general meeting to approve, among other things, the following matters:

the amendment to or the modification of the purpose clause in our Articles of Association;
the creation or cancellation of shares with privileged voting rights;
the restriction on the transferability of shares or cancellation thereof;

the restriction on the exercise of the right to vote or the cancellation thereof;
an authorized or conditional increase in the share capital;
an increase in the share capital through (1) the conversion of capital surplus, (2) a contribution in kind, or for purposes of an acquisition of assets, or (3) a grant of special privileges;
the limitation on or withdrawal of preemptive rights;
a change in our registered office;
the conversion of registered shares into bearer shares and vice versa; and
our dissolution.

The same supermajority voting requirements apply to resolutions in relation to transactions among corporations based on Switzerland’s Federal Act on Mergers, Demergers, Transformations and the Transfer of Assets and Liabilities (the “Merger Act”), including a merger, demerger or conversion of a corporation (other than a cash-out or certain squeeze-out mergers, in which minority shareholders of the company being acquired may be compensated in a form other than through shares of the acquiring company, for instance, through cash or securities of a parent company of the acquiring company or of another company—in such a merger, an affirmative vote of 90% of the outstanding shares is required). Swiss law may also impose this supermajority voting requirement in connection with the sale of “all or substantially all of our assets” by us. See “—Compulsory Acquisitions; Appraisal Rights” below.

Our Articles of Association require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at a general meeting to approve the following matters:

the removal of a serving member of the board of directors;
any changes to Article 14, paragraph 1 specifying advance notice of proposal requirements;
any changes to Article 18 specifying vote requirements for resolutions and elections;
any changes to Article 20, paragraph 2 specifying supermajority vote requirements;

any changes to Article 21 specifying quorum requirements;
any changes to Article 22 specifying the number of members of the board of directors;
any changes to Article 23 specifying the term of the board of directors; and
any changes to Article 24 specifying the organization of the board of directors and the indemnification provisions for directors and officers.

Our Articles of Association require the affirmative vote of holders of the number of our shares at least equal to the sum of (A) two-thirds of the number of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote at a general meeting, plus (B) a number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the general meeting that is equal to one-third of the number of shares held by an interested shareholder, for us to engage in any business combination with an interested shareholder (as those terms are defined in our Articles of Association) and for the amendment of the provisions in our Articles of Association relating to this shareholder approval requirement.

Quorum for General Meetings

The presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the time when the general meeting proceeds to business is generally the required presence for a quorum for the transaction of business at a general meeting of shareholders. However, the presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least two-thirds of the share capital recorded in the commercial register at the time when the general meeting proceeds to business is the required presence for a quorum to adopt a resolution to amend, vary, suspend the operation of or cause any of the following provisions of our Articles of Association to cease to apply:

Article 18—which relates to proceedings and procedures at general meetings;

Article 19(g)—which relates to business combinations with interested shareholders;
Article 20—which sets forth the level of shareholder approval required for certain matters;
Article 21—which sets forth the quorum at a general meeting required for certain matters, including the removal of a serving member of the board of directors; and
Articles 22, 23 and 24—which relate to the size and the organization of the board of directors, the term of directors and the indemnification provisions for directors and officers.

Additionally, shareholders present, in person or by proxy, holding at least two-thirds of the share capital recorded in the commercial register at the time when the general meeting proceeds to business constitute the required presence for a quorum at a general meeting to adopt a resolution to remove a serving director.

Under the Swiss Code, the board of directors has no authority to waive quorum requirements stipulated in the Articles of Association.

Inspection of Books and Records

Under the Swiss Code, a shareholder has a right to inspect the share register with regard to his, her or its own shares and otherwise to the extent necessary to exercise his, her or its shareholder rights. No other person has a right to inspect the share register. The books and correspondence of a Swiss company may be inspected with the express authorization of the general meeting of shareholders or by resolution of the board of directors and subject to the safeguarding of the company’s business secrets. At a general meeting of shareholders, any shareholder is entitled to request information from the board of directors concerning the affairs of the company. Shareholders may also ask the auditor questions regarding its audit of the company. The board of directors and the auditor must answer shareholders’ questions to the extent necessary for the exercise of shareholders’ rights and subject to prevailing business secrets or other of our material interests.


Special Investigation

If the shareholders’ inspection and information rights as outlined above prove to be insufficient, any shareholder may propose to the general meeting of shareholders that a special commissioner investigate specific facts in a special investigation. If the general meeting of shareholders approves the proposal, we or any shareholder may, within 30 calendar days after the general meeting of shareholders, request the court at our registered office to appoint a special commissioner. If the general meeting of shareholders rejects the request, one or more shareholders representing at least 10% of the share capital or holders of shares in an aggregate par value of at least 2 million Swiss francs may request, within three months after the general meeting, the court to appoint a special commissioner. The court will issue such an order if the petitioners can demonstrate prima facie that the board of directors, any member of our board of directors or one of our officers infringed the law or our Articles of Association and thereby damaged the company or the shareholders. The costs of the investigation would generally be allocated to us and only in exceptional cases to the petitioners.

Compulsory Acquisitions; Appraisal Rights

Swiss companies that undertake business combinations and other transactions that are binding on all shareholders are governed by the Merger Act. A statutory merger or demerger requires that at least two-thirds of the shares and a majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented at the general meeting of shareholders, vote in favor of the transaction. Under the Merger Act, a “demerger” may take two forms:

a legal entity may divide all of its assets and transfer such assets to other legal entities, with the shareholders of the transferring entity receiving equity securities in the acquiring entities and the transferring entity dissolving upon deregistration in the commercial register; or

a legal entity may transfer all or a portion of its assets to other legal entities, with the shareholders of the transferring entity receiving equity securities in the acquiring entities.

If a transaction under the Merger Act receives all of the necessary consents, all shareholders would be compelled to participate in the transaction. See “—Voting” above.

Swiss companies may be acquired by an acquirer through the direct acquisition of the share capital of the Swiss company. With respect to corporations limited by shares, such as Transocean, the Merger Act provides for the possibility of a so-called “cash-out” or “squeeze-out” merger if the acquirer controls 90% of the outstanding shares. In these limited circumstances, minority shareholders of the company being acquired may be compensated in a form other than through shares of the acquiring company (for instance, through cash or securities of a parent company of the acquiring company or of another company). For business combinations effected in the form of a statutory merger or demerger and subject to Swiss law, the Merger Act provides that if the equity rights have not been adequately preserved or compensation payments in the transaction are unreasonable, a shareholder may request the competent court to determine a reasonable amount of compensation.

In addition, under Swiss law, the sale of “all or substantially all of our assets” by us may require a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders passed by holders of at least two-thirds of the voting rights and a majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented at the general meeting of shareholders. Whether or not a shareholder resolution is required depends on the particular transaction, including whether the following test is satisfied:

the company sells a core part of its business, without which it is economically impracticable or unreasonable to continue to operate the remaining business;

the company’s assets, after the divestment, are not invested in accordance with the company’s statutory business purpose; and
the proceeds of the divestment are not earmarked for reinvestment in accordance with the company’s business purpose but, instead, are intended for distribution to shareholders or for financial investments unrelated to the company’s business.

If all of the foregoing apply, a shareholder resolution would likely be required.

Legal Name; Formation; Fiscal Year; Registered Office

Transocean was initially formed on August 18, 2008. It is incorporated and domiciled in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug, Switzerland, and operates under the Swiss Code as a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft). Transocean is recorded in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug with the registration number CHE-114.461.224. Transocean’s fiscal year is the calendar year.

The address of Transocean’s registered office is Transocean, Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland, and the telephone number at that address is +41 (0)41 749 0500.

Corporate Purpose

Transocean is the parent holding company of the Transocean group. Pursuant to its Articles of Association, its business purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, exploit and sell, whether directly or indirectly, participations in businesses in Switzerland and abroad, in particular in businesses that are involved in offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells, oil and gas drilling management services, drilling engineering services and drilling project management services and oil and gas exploration and production activities, and to provide financing for this purpose. Transocean may acquire, hold, manage, mortgage and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad.

Duration and Liquidation

Our Articles of Association do not limit our duration. Under Swiss law, we may be dissolved at any time by a resolution adopted at a general meeting of shareholders, which must be passed by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two thirds of voting rights and an absolute majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented (in person or by proxy) at the general meeting. Dissolution and liquidation by court order is possible if (1) we become bankrupt or (2) shareholders holding at least 10% of our share capital so request for valid reasons. Under Swiss law, any surplus arising out of liquidation (after the settlement of all claims of all creditors) is distributed in proportion to the paid-up par value of shares held. The amount exceeding the par value of the share is subject to Swiss withholding tax of 35%. Our shares carry no privilege with respect to such liquidation surplus.

Uncertificated Shares

Our shares have been issued in uncertificated form in accordance with article 973c of the Swiss Code as uncertificated securities, which have been registered with Computershare, and constitute intermediated securities within the meaning of the Swiss Federal Act on Intermediated Securities. In accordance with article 973c of the Code, Transocean maintains a register of uncertificated securities (Wertrechtebuch).

Stock Exchange Listing

Our shares are listed and trade on the NYSE under the symbol “RIG.”

No Sinking Fund

The shares have no sinking fund provisions.

No Liability for Further Calls or Assessments

The shares that have been issued to date are duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

No Redemption and Conversion

The shares are not convertible into shares of any other class or series or subject to redemption either by us or the holder of the shares.


Transfer and Registration of Shares

We have not imposed any restrictions applicable to the transfer of our shares, other than the requirement that an acquirer of shares expressly declares to have acquired the shares in its own name and for its own account. Our share register is maintained by Computershare, which acts as transfer agent and registrar. The share register reflects only record owners of our shares. Swiss law does not recognize fractional share interests.

Description of the 2023 Exchangeable Bonds

The following description of the Exchangeable Bonds is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It is subject to, and qualified by reference to, all of the provisions of the Exchangeable Bonds and the indenture among Transocean Inc. (“TINC”), as issuer, Transocean Ltd. (“Transocean”), as guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as co-trustees, dated January 30, 2018 (the “indenture”). We encourage you to read the indenture for additional information. In this summary, “we,” “our” and “us” means TINC, as issuer of the Exchangeable Bonds, and “guarantor” means Transocean, as guarantor of the Exchangeable Bonds, unless, in each case, we indicate otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.

General

The Exchangeable Bonds are our general unsecured and senior obligations, and are exchangeable into Transocean’s Shares as described under “—Exchange Rights” below. The Exchangeable Bonds are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the guarantor. The Exchangeable Bonds will mature on January 30, 2023.

The Exchangeable Bonds pay cash interest at an annual rate of 0.5% on the principal amount of the Exchangeable Bonds to, but excluding, the next scheduled interest payment date until January 30, 2023. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 30 and July 30 of each year, to holders of record at the close of business on the preceding January 15 and July 15, respectively. Accrued interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. In the event of the repurchase by us at the option of the holder of an Exchangeable Bond, interest ceases to accrue on the Exchangeable Bonds under the terms of and subject to the conditions of the indenture.

Any amounts on the Exchangeable Bonds that are payable but not punctually paid or provided for (“defaulted amounts”) will cease to be payable to the holder of the Exchangeable Bonds on the relevant payment date but will accrue interest per annum at the rate borne by the Exchangeable Bonds, subject to applicable law, from, and including, the relevant payment date. We may elect to pay the defaulted amounts and any interest accrued (i) to the holders of the Exchangeable Bonds as of the close of business on a special record date, which will be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of our proposed payment of such defaulted amounts or (ii) in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, or any other securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Exchangeable Bonds may be listed or designated for trading.

The indenture does not contain any financial covenants or any restrictions on the payment of dividends, the making of investments, the incurrence of indebtedness, the granting of liens or mortgages, or the issuance or repurchase of securities by us. The indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions to protect holders of the Exchangeable Bonds in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a fundamental change, except to the extent described under “—Exchange Rights—Increased Exchange Rate in Connection with Fundamental Changes” and “—Repurchase Rights Following Fundamental Change or Tax Event” below.

As of February 16, 2021, $462,559,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds were outstanding.

The Exchangeable Bonds are not be subject to a sinking fund provision and are not be subject to defeasance or covenant defeasance under the indenture.

Guarantee


Our obligations under the indenture, including the repurchase obligations resulting from a fundamental change or tax event, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis by the guarantor.

The guarantor’s obligations under the guarantee are limited to the maximum amount as, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the guarantor, will result in the guarantor’s obligation under the guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law.

The Exchangeable Bonds are not obligations of, or guaranteed by, any of our or the guarantor’s existing or future subsidiaries.

Ranking/Additional Debt

The Exchangeable Bonds are our general unsecured obligations and rank:

(1) senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness;

(2) equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness;

(3) effectively junior in right of payment to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and

(4) structurally subordinated to all secured and unsecured liabilities of our subsidiaries.

The guarantee is a senior unsecured obligation of the guarantor and will rank equally in right of payment with the guarantor’s other senior unsecured indebtedness from time to time outstanding.

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt that we or any of our subsidiaries may incur or issue, and it does not restrict transactions between us and our affiliates or dividends and other distributions by us or our subsidiaries. As described under “—General,” we may issue additional Exchangeable Bonds under the indenture from time to time.

Exchange Rights

General

Unless the Exchangeable Bonds are previously repurchased, holders may exchange their Exchangeable Bonds for Shares at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date. The initial exchange rate of the Exchangeable Bonds is 97.29756 Shares per $1,000 principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds. The exchange rate is subject to change as described below under “—Increased Exchange Rate in Connection with a Fundamental Change,” “—Increased Exchange Rate in Connection with a Tax Event” and “—Exchange Rate Adjustments.” A holder may exchange fewer than all of such holder’s Exchangeable Bonds so long as the portion of Exchangeable Bonds exchanged is an integral multiple of $1,000 principal amount.

We will satisfy our exchange obligation through delivery by the guarantor of the Shares. See “—Settlement Upon Exchange.” Upon exchange of an Exchangeable Bond, a holder will not receive any cash payment of interest (unless such exchange occurs between a regular record date and the interest payment date to which it relates and the exchanging holder held the Exchangeable Bonds on that record date), and we will not adjust the exchange rate to account for accrued and unpaid interest. Accordingly, any accrued but unpaid interest will be deemed to be paid in full upon exchange, rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited.

Holders of Exchangeable Bonds at the close of business on a regular record date will receive payment of interest payable on the corresponding interest payment date notwithstanding the exchange of such Exchangeable Bonds at any time after the close of business on the applicable regular record date. Exchangeable Bonds surrendered for exchange by a holder after the close of business on any regular record date but prior to the next interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the interest that the holder on the record date is to


receive on the Exchangeable Bonds; provided, however, that no such payment need be made (1) for exchanges following the regular record date immediately preceding the maturity date, (2) if we have specified a repurchase date following a tax event or fundamental change that is after a record date and on or prior to the next interest payment date or (3) only to the extent of overdue interest, if any overdue interest exists at the time of exchange with respect to such Exchangeable Bonds. No other payments or adjustments for interest will be made upon exchange.

Holders of the Shares issuable upon exchange, if any, will not be entitled to receive any dividends payable to holders of the Shares as of any record time or date before such Shares are delivered to the holder upon exchange of such holder’s Exchangeable Bonds.

If a holder has already delivered a repurchase notice as described under “—Repurchase Rights Following Fundamental Change or Tax Event” with respect to an Exchangeable Bond, the holder may not surrender that Exchangeable Bond for exchange until the holder has withdrawn the repurchase notice in accordance with the indenture.

Settlement Upon Exchange

To exchange the Exchangeable Bonds, a holder of Exchangeable Bonds in certificated form must deliver an irrevocable, duly completed exchange notice, together with the certificated security, to the exchange agent along with appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, if required, and pay any interest and transfer or similar tax, in each case, if required, and a holder of Exchangeable Bonds in global form must comply with the applicable procedures of the depositary in effect at the time and pay any interest and transfer or similar tax, in each case, if required. The date a holder satisfies these requirements is called the “exchange date.” The form of exchange notice is attached to the indenture.

Delivery of the Shares upon exchange will be accomplished by book-entry transfer of the required number of Shares through The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (“DTC”). The trustee will initially act as the exchange agent.

Upon exchange of the Exchangeable Bonds, a holder will receive, for each $1,000 principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds exchanged, the Shares at the exchange rate in effect on the exchange date. Cash will be delivered in lieu of any fractional shares. Settlement will occur through the exchange agent on the third business day following the exchange date (or, if the exchange is in connection with a fundamental change, on the fifth business day following the exchange date).

The guarantor’s delivery to the holder of the Shares and any cash, if applicable, in settlement as described above will satisfy our exchange obligation.

Increased Exchange Rate in Connection with a Fundamental Change

If the effective date of any fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, and a holder elects to exchange its Exchangeable Bonds during the period commencing on such effective date and ending on the business day immediately before the fundamental change repurchase date (the “fundamental change period”), then the guarantor will increase the exchange rate for the Exchangeable Bonds surrendered for exchange as described below.

We will notify holders of any such fundamental change and the anticipated effective date in accordance with the procedures outlined in the indenture and described in “—Repurchase Rights Following Fundamental Change or Tax Event” below.

The increased exchange rate applicable to any exchange in connection with a fundamental change due to a change of control will be determined as follows:

COCER

=

OER x (1 +(EP x (c/t))), where

COCER

=

change of control exchange rate


OER

=

exchange rate otherwise applicable, before giving effect to increase

EP

=

22.50%

c

=

the number of days from and including the date of the change of control to but excluding the maturity date

t

=

the number of days from and including the issue date to but excluding the maturity date

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the increased exchange rate applicable to any exchange in connection with a fundamental change due to a listing failure event will be determined as follows:

LFER

=

OER x (1 +(EP x (c/t))), where

LFER

=

listing failure event exchange rate

OER

=

exchange rate otherwise applicable, before giving effect to increase

EP

=

22.50%

c

=

the number of days from and including the date of the listing failure event to but excluding the maturity date

t

=

the number of days from and including the issue date to but excluding the maturity date

For the avoidance of doubt, if a holder exchanges its Exchangeable Bonds prior to the fundamental change period, then, whether or not such fundamental change occurs, the holder will not be entitled to an increased exchange rate in connection with such fundamental change.

A “fundamental change” will be deemed to have occurred at such time after the original issuance of the Exchangeable Bonds when any of the following has occurred:

a change of control event; or
a listing failure event.

Change of control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

A. the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger, amalgamation or statutory plan of arrangement or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ or the guarantor’s and its subsidiaries’ assets, in each case taken as a whole, to any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than to us, the guarantor or one of the guarantor’s other subsidiaries;

B. the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger, amalgamation or statutory plan of arrangement or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the guarantor’s or our voting stock or other voting stock into which the guarantor’s or our voting stock is reclassified, consolidated, exchanged or changed, measured by voting power rather than number of shares;

C. we or the guarantor consolidate, amalgamate, or enter into a statutory plan of arrangement with, or merge with or into, any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), or any person consolidates, amalgamates, or enters into a statutory plan of arrangement with, or merges with or into, us or the guarantor, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the guarantor’s, our or of such other person’s outstanding voting stock is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of our or the guarantor’s voting stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, voting stock representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; or

D. the adoption of a plan relating to the guarantor’s or our liquidation or dissolution.


Notwithstanding the foregoing, any holding company whose only significant asset is our capital stock or any of our direct or indirect parent companies will not itself be considered a “person” or “group” for purposes of clause B above. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing, no change of control of the guarantor will be deemed to have occurred if at least 90% of the consideration for the Shares (excluding cash payments for fractional shares) in the transaction or transactions otherwise constituting a change of control in respect of the guarantor consist of common stock, ordinary shares, American Depositary Receipts or equivalent capital stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market, or any successor to any such market, or which will be so traded when issued or exchanged in connection with the transaction or transactions otherwise constituting a change of control in respect of the guarantor, and as a result of such transaction or transactions, the Exchangeable Bonds become exchangeable, upon the conditions for exchange and actual exchange in accordance with the terms hereof, into such common stock, ordinary shares, American Depositary Receipts or equivalent capital stock.

Change of control event” means (a) in the case of a change of control in respect of us, on any date during the 60-day period (which period will be extended so long as the rating of the Exchangeable Bonds is under publicly announced consideration for a possible downgrade by any of the rating agencies (as defined in the indenture)) (the “trigger period”) after the earlier of (1) the occurrence of a change of control; or (2) public notice of the occurrence of a change of control or the intention by us to effect a change of control, (i) in the event the Exchangeable Bonds are rated investment grade by at least two of the rating agencies prior to such public notice, the rating of the Exchangeable Bonds by any rating agency shall be below investment grade, (ii) in the event the Exchangeable Bonds are rated below Investment Grade by at least two of the rating agencies prior to such public notice, the rating of the Exchangeable Bonds by any rating agency will be decreased by one or more categories or (iii) the Exchangeable Bonds will not be, or cease to be, rated by at least one of the rating agencies; provided that, in each case, such event is in whole or in part in connection with the change of control and (b) in the case of a change of control in respect of the guarantor, the effective date of such change of control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Change of Control Event will be deemed to have occurred in connection with any particular Change of Control unless and until such Change of Control has actually been consummated.

A “listing failure event” will be deemed to have occurred at the time after the Exchangeable Bonds are originally issued if the Shares (or any other ordinary shares, common shares or American depositary shares underlying the Exchangeable Bonds) cease to be listed or quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors) and are not listed or quoted on one of The New York Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Global Select Market or The NASDAQ Global Market (or any of their respective successors) concurrently with such cessation.

Increased Exchange Rate in Connection with a Tax Event

If a tax event occurs prior to the maturity date, and a holder elects to exchange its Exchangeable Bonds during the period commencing on such effective date and ending on the day before the tax event repurchase date (the “tax event repurchase period”), then the guarantor will increase the exchange rate for the Exchangeable Bonds surrendered for exchange, as described below.

We will notify holders of any such tax event in accordance with the procedures outlined in the indenture and described in “—Fundamental Change or Tax Event Requires Us to Repurchase Exchangeable Bonds at the Option of the Holder” below.

The increase exchange rate applicable to any exchange in connection with a tax event will be determined as follows:

TEER

=

OER x (1 +(EP x (c/t))), where

TEER

=

tax event exchange rate

OER

=

exchange rate otherwise applicable, before giving effect to increase

EP

=

22.50%

c

=

the number of days from and including the date of the tax event to but excluding the maturity date

t

=

the number of days from and including the issue date to but excluding the maturity date


For the avoidance of doubt, if a holder exchanges its Exchangeable Bonds prior to the tax event repurchase period, then, whether or not such tax event occurs, the holder will not be entitled to an increased exchange rate in connection with such tax event.

A “tax event” will be deemed to have occurred if, at any time after the Exchangeable Bonds are originally issued, (x) we reasonably determine that (A) as a result of (I) any change in or amendment to the laws or treaties (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of any taxing jurisdiction (as defined below), or (II) any change in the official position regarding the application or interpretation of such laws, treaties, regulations or rulings by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority, which change or amendment becomes effective on or after (1) the issue date, in the case of the Cayman Islands or Switzerland, or (2) the date such jurisdiction becomes a taxing jurisdiction, in the case of any other taxing jurisdiction, we, the guarantor or any such successor, as applicable, have or will become obligated to pay, on the next succeeding date on which interest is due, additional amounts pursuant to the indenture with respect to any of the Exchangeable Bonds; or (B) on or after (1) the issue date, in the case of the Cayman Islands or Switzerland, or (2) the date such jurisdiction becomes a taxing jurisdiction, in the case of any other taxing jurisdiction, any action has been taken by any taxing authority of, or any decision has been rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction in a taxing jurisdiction, including any of those actions specified in (A) above, whether or not such action was taken or such decision was rendered with respect to us, the guarantor or any such successor, as applicable, or any change, amendment, application or interpretation will be officially proposed, which in any case, in an opinion of counsel, will result in us, the guarantor or any such successor becoming obligated to pay, on the next succeeding date on which interest is due, additional amounts with respect to any of the Exchangeable Bonds, and, in any such case, we or the guarantor, as applicable, in our business judgment, determine that such obligation cannot be avoided by the use of reasonable measures available to us or the guarantor; and (y) we provide notice to all holders of the Exchangeable Bonds and the trustee and the paying agent no less than 20, and no more than 60, days prior to the earliest date on which we or the guarantor would be obligated to withhold tax resulting from the amendment or change described in (A) or (B) above were a payment in respect of the Exchangeable Bonds then due that we are designating such amendment or change as a tax event.

We are not obligated to designate any event as a tax event. As a result, any development described in clause (x) of the preceding paragraph will not constitute a tax event unless we elect, at our option, to designate it as such. If we declare a tax event, however, and a tax event offer to repurchase pursuant to the indenture, neither we nor the guarantor will thereafter be required to pay related additional amounts in respect of the Exchangeable Bonds. See “—Tax Additional Amounts.”

Exchange Rate Adjustments

The exchange rate will be adjusted for certain events, as described below, except that we will not make any adjustments to the exchange rate if holders of Exchangeable Bonds have the right to participate (other than in the case of a share split or share combination or a tender or exchange offer), as a result of holding the Exchangeable Bonds, in any of the transactions described below without having to exchange their Exchangeable Bonds:

(1) If the guarantor exclusively issues the Shares as a dividend or distribution on the Shares, or effects a subdivision or combination of the outstanding Shares, the exchange rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:

ER’ = ER0 x

OS’

OS0

ER0

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date of such dividend or distribution, or immediately prior to the open of business on the date of the subdivision or combination

ER’

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date or date of subdivision or combination

OS0

=

the number of Shares outstanding immediately prior to such subdivision or combination

OS

=

the number of Shares that would be outstanding immediately after giving effect to such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination


Any adjustment made under this paragraph (1) will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately after the open of business on the date for such subdivision or combination, as applicable. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this paragraph (1) is declared but not so paid or made, the exchange rate will be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the guarantor’s board of directors determines not to pay such dividend or distribution, to the exchange rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.

(2) If the guarantor issues to all or substantially all holders of the Shares, rights, options or warrants (other than in connection with a shareholder rights plan) that allow such holders, for a period ending not more than 45 days after the announcement date of such issuance, to subscribe for or purchase the Shares at a price per Share that is less than the average of the last reported sale prices of the Shares for the ten consecutive trading days ending on the business day immediately preceding the announcement date of such issuance, the exchange rate will be adjusted based on the following formula:

ER’ = ER0 x

OS0 + X

OS0 + Y

where,

ER0

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such issuance

ER’

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date

OS0

=

the number of Shares outstanding immediately prior to the close of business on such record date

X

=

the total number of Shares issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants

Y

the number of Shares equal to the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants divided by the average of the last reported sale prices of the Shares for the ten consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the announcement of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants

Any increase made under this paragraph (2) will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such issuance. To the extent that the Shares are not delivered after the expiration of such rights, options or warrants, the exchange rate will be decreased to be the exchange rate that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of Shares actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the exchange rate will be decreased to the exchange rate that would then be in effect if such record date for such issuance had not occurred.

(3) If the guarantor distributes the Shares, evidences of its indebtedness, other assets or property of the guarantor or rights, options or warrants to acquire the Shares or other securities, to all or substantially all holders of the Shares, excluding (i) dividends, distributions or issuances as to which an adjustment was effected as described in paragraphs (1) or (2) above, (ii) dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash as to which an adjustment was effected as described in paragraph (4) below, and (iii) spin-offs (as defined below) as to which the provisions set forth below in this paragraph (3) apply (any of such Shares, evidences of indebtedness, other assets or property or rights, options or warrants to acquire the Shares or other securities, the “distributed property”), then the exchange rate will be increased based on the following formula:

ER’ = ER0 x

SP0

SP0 - FMV

where,

ER0

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such distribution;

ER’

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately after the close of business on such record date;


SP0

=

the average of the last reported sale prices of the Shares over the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for the distribution; and

FMV

=

the fair market value (as determined by the guarantor’s Board of Directors) of the distributed property with respect to each outstanding Share on the ex-dividend date for the distribution.

Any increase made as described in this paragraph (3) will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such distribution. If the distribution is not so paid or made, the exchange rate will be decreased to the exchange rate that would then be in effect if the distribution had not been declared. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the fair market value of the Shares is equal to or greater than SP0, in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of Exchangeable Bonds will receive, in respect of each $1,000 principal amount thereof, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of the Shares receive the distributed property, the amount and kind of distributed property such Holder would have received if the holder owned a number of Shares equal to the exchange rate in effect on the ex-dividend date for the distribution.

With respect to an adjustment as described in this paragraph (3) where there has been a payment of a dividend or other distribution on the Shares or shares of capital stock of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to one of the guarantor’s subsidiaries or other business units, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange (a “spin-off”), the exchange rate will be increased based on the following formula:

ER’ = ER0 x

FMV0 + MP0

MP0

where,

ER0

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for the spin-off;

ER’

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the record date for the spin-off;

FMV0

=

the average of the last reported sale prices of the capital stock or similar equity interest distributed to holders of the Shares applicable to one Share over the first 10 consecutive trading day period after, and including, the ex-dividend date of the spin-off (the “valuation period”); and

MP0

=

the average of the last reported sale prices of the Shares over the valuation period.

The increase to the exchange rate under the preceding paragraph will occur at the close of business on the record date for the spin-off; provided that if the relevant exchange date occurs during the valuation period, references to “10” in the preceding paragraph will be deemed to be replaced with lesser number of trading days as have elapsed from, and including, the ex-dividend date of the spin-off to, and including, the exchange date in determining the exchange rate.

For purposes of this paragraph (3), rights, options or warrants distributed by the Guarantor to all holders of the Shares entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Guarantor’s Capital Stock, including the Shares (either initially or under certain circumstances), which rights, options or warrants, until the occurrence of a specified event or events (a “trigger event”): (i) are deemed to be transferred with such Shares; (ii) are not exercisable; and (iii) are also issued in respect of future issuances of the Shares, will be deemed not to have been distributed for purposes of this paragraph (3) (and no adjustment to the exchange rate under this paragraph (3) will be required) until the occurrence of the earliest trigger event, whereupon such rights, options or warrants will be deemed to have been distributed and an appropriate adjustment (if required) to the exchange rate will be made under this paragraph (3). If any such right, option or warrant, including any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the date of the indenture, are subject to events, upon the occurrence of which such rights, options or warrants become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of indebtedness or other assets, then the date of the occurrence of any and each such event will be deemed to be the date of distribution and record date with respect to new rights, options or warrants with such rights (in which case the existing rights, options or warrants will be deemed to terminate and expire on such date without exercise by any of the holders thereof). In addition, in the event of any distribution (or deemed distribution) of rights, options or warrants, or any trigger event or other event


(of the type described in the immediately preceding sentence) with respect thereto that was counted for purposes of calculating a distribution amount for which an adjustment to the exchange rate under this paragraph (3) was made, (1) in the case of any such rights, options or warrants that have all been redeemed or purchased without exercise by any holders thereof, upon such final redemption or purchase (x) the exchange rate will be readjusted as if such rights, options or warrants had not been issued and (y) the exchange rate will then again be readjusted to give effect to such distribution, deemed distribution or trigger event, as the case may be, as though it were a cash distribution, equal to the per share redemption or purchase price received by a holder or holders of the Shares with respect to such rights, options or warrants (assuming such holder had retained such rights, options or warrants), made to all holders of the Shares as of the date of such redemption or purchase, and (2) in the case of such rights, options or warrants that will have expired or been terminated without exercise by any holders thereof, the exchange rate will be readjusted as if such rights, options and warrants had not been issued.

For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2) above and this paragraph (3), if any dividend or distribution to which this paragraph (3) is applicable also includes one or both of:

a dividend or distribution of the Shares to which paragraph (1) above is applicable (the “clause A distribution”); or
a dividend or distribution of rights, options or warrants to which paragraph (2) above is applicable (the “clause B distribution”),

then, in either case, (1) such dividend or distribution, other than the clause A Distribution and the clause B Distribution, will be deemed to be a dividend or distribution to which this paragraph (3) is applicable (the “clause C distribution”) and any exchange rate adjustment required by this paragraph (3) with respect to such clause C distribution will then be made, and (2) the clause A distribution and clause B distribution will be deemed to immediately follow the clause C distribution and any exchange rate adjustment required by paragraphs (1) and (2) above and with respect thereto will then be made, except that, if determined by the guarantor (I) the record date of the clause A distribution and the clause B distribution will be deemed to be the record date of the clause C distribution and (II) any Shares included in the clause A distribution or clause B distribution will be deemed not to be “outstanding immediately prior to the close of business on such record date” within the meaning of paragraph (1) above or “outstanding immediately prior to the close of business on such record date” within the meaning of paragraph (2) above.

(4) If any cash dividend or distribution is made to all or substantially all holders of Shares, the exchange rate will be increased based on the following formula:

ER’ = ER0 x

SP0

SP0 - C

where,

ER0

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution;

ER’

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution;

SP0

=

the last reported sale price of the Shares on the trading day immediately preceding the record date for the ex-dividend or distribution;

C

=

the amount in cash per share the guarantor distributes to all or substantially all holders of the Shares.

Any increase pursuant to this paragraph (4) will become effective immediately after the close of business on the record date for such dividend or distribution. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid, the exchange rate will be decreased, effective as of the date the guarantor’s board of directors determines not to make or pay such dividend or distribution, to be the exchange rate that would then be in effect if the dividend or distribution had not been declared. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if C (as defined above) is equal to or greater than SP0 (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of Exchangeable Bonds will receive, for each $1,000 principal amount


of Exchangeable Bonds, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of the Shares, the amount of cash that the Holder would have received if the Holder owned a number of the Shares equal to the exchange rate on the ex-dividend date for the cash dividend or distribution.

(5) If the guarantor or any of its subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender offer (which for the avoidance of doubt will not include any open market buybacks or purchases that are not tender offers) or exchange offer for the Shares, to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per share of

Shares exceeds the average of the last reported sale prices of the Shares over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the trading day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, the exchange rate will be increased based on the following formula:

ER’ = ER0 x

AC + (SP’ x OS’)

OS0 X SP

where,

ER0

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the trading day immediately following the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires;

ER’

=

the exchange rate in effect immediately after the open of business on the trading day immediately following the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires;

AC

=

the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by the guarantor’s Board of Directors) paid or payable for the Shares purchased or exchanged in the tender or exchange offer;

OS0

=

the number of Shares outstanding immediately prior to the date such tender or exchange offer expires (prior to giving effect to the purchase of all the Shares accepted for purchase or exchange in the tender or exchange offer);

OS’

the number of Shares outstanding immediately after the date such tender or exchange offer expires (after giving effect to the purchase of all the Shares accepted for purchase or exchange in the tender or exchange offer);

SP

the average of the last reported sale prices of the Shares over the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date the tender or exchange offer expires; and

SP’

the average of the last reported sale prices of the Shares over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the trading day next succeeding the date the tender or exchange offer expires.

The increase to the exchange rate under this paragraph (5) will occur at the open of business on the trading day immediately following the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; provided that if the relevant exchange date occurs during the 10 trading days immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date of any tender or exchange offer, references to “10” or “10th” in the preceding paragraph will be deemed replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed between the date that such tender or exchange offer expires and the exchange date in determining the exchange rate as of such trading day.

Except as stated above, the exchange rate will not be adjusted for the issuance of the Shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for the Shares or the right to purchase any of the foregoing.

The guarantor may from time to time, to the extent permitted by law and subject to applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange or any exchange on which any of the guarantor’s securities are then listed, increase the exchange rate of the Exchangeable Bonds by any amount for any period of at least 20 business days. In such case, we will give at least 15 calendar days’ notice of such increase. We may make such increases in the exchange rate, in addition to those set forth above, as the guarantor’s board of directors deems advisable or to avoid or diminish any income tax


to holders of our ordinary shares resulting from any dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes.

Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, we will not be required to adjust the exchange rate unless the adjustment would result in a change of at least 1% of the exchange rate. However, we will carry forward any adjustments that are less than 1% of the exchange rate and take them into account when determining subsequent adjustments.

In addition, without limiting the generality of any other provision of the Exchangeable Bonds, the exchange rate will not be adjusted:

(1) upon the issuance of any Shares pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on the guarantor’s securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in the Shares under any plan;

(2) upon the issuance of any Shares or options or rights to purchase the Shares pursuant to any present or future employee, director, officer or consultant benefit, compensation or stock purchase plan or program of or assumed by the guarantor or any of its subsidiaries;

(3) upon the issuance of any Shares pursuant to any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security not described above and outstanding as of the issue date of the Exchangeable Bonds;

(4) upon the repurchase of any Shares pursuant to an open-market share repurchase program or other buyback transaction that is not a tender or exchange offer of the type described in paragraph (5) above;

(5) solely for a change in the nominal value of the Shares; or

(6) for accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

As a result of any adjustment of the exchange rate, the holders of Exchangeable Bonds may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have received a distribution that is treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In certain other circumstances, the absence of an adjustment may result in a taxable dividend to the holders of ordinary shares.

Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of the Shares

If the guarantor is a party to (1) a recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Shares, (2) a consolidation, merger or combination, (3) a sale, lease or transfer to a third party of the consolidated assets of the guarantor and its subsidiaries or (4) any statutory share exchange, in each case, as a result of which the Shares would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets, then the exchange rights will be changed into a right to exchange the Exchangeable Bonds into the kind and amount of stock, other securities, other property or assets that a holder would have been entitled to receive if such holder had held a number of ordinary shares equal to the applicable exchange rate in effect immediately prior to the transaction (the “reference property”). The amount of cash and any reference property holders receive will be based on the daily exchange values of reference property and the applicable exchange rate, as described above.

If an event described in the immediately preceding paragraph causes the Shares to be converted into, or exchanged for, the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of shareholder election), then (i) the reference property into which the Exchangeable Bonds will be exchangeable will be deemed to be (x) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of the Shares that affirmatively make such an election or (y) if no holders of the Shares affirmatively make such an election, the types and amounts of consideration actually received by the holders of Shares, and (ii) the unit of reference property for purposes of the immediately preceding paragraph will refer to the consideration referred to in clause (i) in this paragraph attributable to one Share.


To the extent that the Exchangeable Bonds become exchangeable into the right to receive cash following an event described above, interest will not accrue on such cash.

If the transaction also constitutes a fundamental change, a holder can alternatively require us to purchase all or a portion of such holder’s Exchangeable Bonds as described under “—Repurchase Rights Following Fundamental Change or Tax Event” below.

Calculations in Respect of the Exchangeable Bonds

We will be responsible for making all calculations called for under the Exchangeable Bonds. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determinations of the last reported sale prices of the Shares, the accrued interest payable on the Exchangeable Bonds, the tax event repurchase price, the change of control repurchase price, the listing failure event repurchase price and the exchange rate of the Exchangeable Bonds. We will make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, our calculations shall be final and binding on holders of the Exchangeable Bonds. We will provide a schedule of our calculations to each of the trustee and the exchange agent, and each of the trustee and exchange agent is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of our calculations without independent verification. The trustee will forward our calculations to any holder of the Exchangeable Bonds upon the request of such holder at our cost and expense.

Repurchase Rights Following Fundamental Change or Tax Event

If we undergo a fundamental change or tax event after the first issuance of the Exchangeable Bonds, each holder will have the option to require us to purchase its Exchangeable Bonds on a date of our choosing (the “repurchase date”) that is not less than 60 business days after the fundamental change (or a longer period if required by applicable law). In the event of a change of control repurchase event, we will pay a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the holder’s Exchangeable Bonds plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the date of purchase (the “change of control repurchase price”). In the event of a listing failure event or tax event, we will pay a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the holder’s Exchangeable Bonds plus accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the date of purchase (the “listing failure event repurchase price” or “tax event repurchase price,” as applicable). However, if the repurchase date is after a record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date, the interest will be paid on the interest payment date to the holder of record on the record date. A holder may require us to purchase all or any part of the Exchangeable Bonds so long as the principal amount at maturity of the Exchangeable Bonds being purchased is an integral multiple of $1,000.

Our ability to repurchase Exchangeable Bonds with cash at any time may be limited by the terms of our then existing borrowing agreements. The indenture prohibits us from repurchasing Exchangeable Bonds in connection with the holders’ repurchase rights if any event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing, except for a default in the payment of the repurchase price with respect to the Exchangeable Bonds. If a fundamental change occurs at a time when we are prohibited from repurchasing the Exchangeable Bonds, we could seek the consent of our lenders to purchase the Exchangeable Bonds or attempt to refinance the debt. If we do not obtain such consent or we are not able to refinance the debt, we would not be permitted to repurchase the Exchangeable Bonds. Our existing borrowing agreements currently do not restrict us from repurchasing the Exchangeable Bonds so long as we remain in compliance with certain financial covenants.

On or before the 20th calendar day after a fundamental change, we will provide notice to the trustee and to each holder of the Exchangeable Bonds of the fundamental change which specifies the terms and conditions and the procedures required for exercise of a holder’s right to require us to repurchase its Exchangeable Bonds. Such notice will specify:

(1) the events causing the fundamental change;

(2) the date of such fundamental change;

(3) the last date by which a holder of Exchangeable Bonds may exercise the repurchase right;


(4) the fundamental change repurchase date;

(5) the change of control repurchase price or the listing failure event repurchase price, as applicable;

(6) the name and address of the paying agent and the exchange agent, if applicable;

(7) the exchange rate and any adjustments to the exchange rate;

(8) that Exchangeable Bonds with respect to which a fundamental change purchase notice is given by the holder may be exchanged only if the fundamental change purchase notice has been withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the indenture; and

(9) the procedures that holders must follow to exercise these rights.

No less than 20 and no more than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which we would have to withhold tax in connection with a tax event, we will provide notice to the trustee and to each holder of the Exchangeable Bonds of the tax event which specifies the terms and conditions and the procedures required for exercise of a holder’s right to require us to repurchase its Exchangeable Bonds. Such notice will specify:

(1) the events causing the tax event;

(2) the date of such tax event;

(3) the last date by which a holder of Exchangeable Bonds may exercise the repurchase right;

(4) the tax event repurchase date;

(5) the tax event repurchase price;

(6) the name and address of the paying agent and the exchange agent, if applicable;

(7) the exchange rate and any adjustments to the exchange rate;

(8) that Exchangeable Bonds with respect to which a tax event purchase notice is given by the holder may be exchanged only if the tax event purchase notice has been withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the indenture;

(9) the impact of such tax event on our obligation to pay additional amounts; and

(10) the procedures that holders must follow to exercise these rights.

To exercise the repurchase right, a holder of Exchangeable Bonds must deliver, at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the repurchase date specified in our notice, written notice to the paying agent of the holder’s exercise of its repurchase right.

The holder may withdraw any written repurchase notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the repurchase date that states the principal amount of the withdrawn Exchangeable Bonds, the certificate number of the Exchangeable Bonds in the case of a physical bond and the principal amount, if any, of Exchangeable Bonds that remain subject to the original repurchase notice, which must be in principal amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.

For purposes of defining a fundamental change:

the terms “person” and “group” have the meanings given to them in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act or any successor provisions;


the term “group” includes any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act or any successor provision; and

the term “beneficial owner” is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act, as amended, requires the dissemination of certain information to security holders if an issuer tender offer occurs and may apply if the repurchase option becomes available to holders of the Exchangeable Bonds. We will comply with this rule to the extent applicable at that time.

We could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including certain recapitalizations, that would not constitute a fundamental change with respect to the fundamental change repurchase feature of the Exchangeable Bonds, but that would increase the amount of our outstanding indebtedness or the outstanding indebtedness of our subsidiaries.

No Exchangeable Bonds may be repurchased at the option of holders upon a fundamental change if the principal amount of the Exchangeable Bonds has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to such date (except in the case of an acceleration resulting from our default in the payment of the tax event repurchase price, the change of control repurchase price or the listing failure event repurchase price).

The fundamental change repurchase feature of the Exchangeable Bonds may in certain circumstances make it more difficult or discourage a takeover of us or the guarantor. The fundamental change repurchase feature, however, is not the result of our knowledge of any specific effort to accumulate the Shares, to obtain control of us by means of a merger, scheme of arrangement, tender offer solicitation or otherwise, or by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions. Instead, the fundamental change repurchase feature is a standard term contained in securities similar to the Exchangeable Bonds, is limited to specified transactions and may not include other events that might adversely affect our or the guarantor’s financial condition or results of operations.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We have agreed, for so long as any Exchangeable Bonds remain outstanding, that we will not consolidate with or merge into any entity, or transfer or dispose of all or substantially all of our assets to any entity, unless, among certain other requirements:

either (a) we or the guarantor is the continuing entity or (b) the continuing entity is organized under the laws of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, or any other jurisdiction that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder under the indenture in any material respect;

immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions, no default or event of default will have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom; and

the successor (if not us or the guarantor) expressly assumes our or the guarantor’s, as applicable, covenants and obligations under the indenture.

Additional Covenants

The covenants summarized below will apply to the Exchangeable Bonds.

Ownership of the Company

The guarantor will continue to own (directly or indirectly) 100% of our common equity.


Covenants with Respect to the Shares

The guarantor will keep available at all times (a) conditional share capital to issue and/or (b) the Shares held in treasury by the guarantor or any of its subsidiaries to deliver to holders of the Exchangeable Bonds the full number of Shares issuable or deliverable, as applicable, upon exchange of the Exchangeable Bonds, which Shares will not be subject by law to preemptive rights and in respect of which no contractual preemptive rights will be granted. The guarantor will cause the person in whose name any Shares will be issuable upon exchange to be effectively treated as a stockholder of record of such Shares for purposes of any dividends or distribution payable on the Shares as of the close of business on the relevant exchange date.

The guarantor will not alter its share capital or amend its articles of association if and to the extent such alteration or amendment would have the effect of preventing, hindering or impairing the right of holders of the Exchangeable Bonds to exchange their Exchangeable Bonds for the Shares.

The guarantor undertakes to and covenants with the trustee that in the event of our failing to comply with our obligations pursuant to the provisions described under “—Exchange Rights—Settlement Upon Exchange” above, the guarantor will cause us to comply with such obligations.

Required Information

At any time we and the guarantor are not subject to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we will, so long as any of the Exchangeable Bonds or the Shares constitute “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, promptly provide to any holder, beneficial owner or prospective purchaser of such Exchangeable Bonds or any such Shares, upon written request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act (or any other provision of Rule 144A, as such rule may be amended from time to time), to facilitate the resale of such Exchangeable Bonds or the Shares pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time.

We and the guarantor will file with the trustee within fifteen days after the same are required to be filed with the SEC, copies of any documents or reports that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (giving effect to any grace period provided by Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). Any such document or report that we or the guarantor files with the SEC via the SEC’s EDGAR system will be deemed to be filed with the trustee for purposes of this paragraph at the time such documents are filed via the EDGAR system.

Delivery of such reports, documents and information to the trustee is for informational purposes only, and the trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including our compliance with any of our covenants (as to which the trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on officers’ certificates). The trustee shall not be obligated to monitor or confirm, on a continuing basis or otherwise, our compliance with this required information covenant or the posting of any reports, documents and information on the EDGAR system or any website.

Events of Default

Each of the following will constitute an event of default under the indenture:

we or the guarantor defaults in the payment of interest on any Exchangeable Bond when due and payable, and the default continues for a period of 30 days;
we or the guarantor defaults in the payment of the principal (including the tax event repurchase price, change of control repurchase price or listing failure event repurchase price, if applicable) of, or premium on, any Exchangeable Bond when due and payable at maturity, upon required repurchase or otherwise;


we or the guarantor fails to comply with our respective obligations to exchange the Exchangeable Bonds in accordance with the indenture upon exercise of a holder’s exchange right;

we or the guarantor fails to make an offer in connection with a fundamental change or tax event in accordance with the indenture;

we or the guarantor fails to comply with any covenant or agreement in the indenture and such default or breach continues for 90 days after we have been given written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied in accordance with the indenture;
the occurrence of a listing failure event;
certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation of us or the guarantor; and
the guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect or is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding, or the guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under the indenture.

If an event of default described above will occur and be continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Bonds then outstanding may declare the Exchangeable Bonds due and payable at their principal amount together with accrued interest, and thereupon the trustee may, at its discretion, proceed to protect and enforce the rights of the holders of Exchangeable Bonds by appropriate judicial proceedings. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled with the written consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Bonds then outstanding on behalf of all holders of Exchangeable Bonds, subject to the provisions of the indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such waiver or rescission and annulment will extend to affect any default or event of default resulting from (i) the nonpayment of the principal (including the change of control repurchase price, the listing failure event repurchase price or the tax event repurchase price, if applicable) of, or accrued and unpaid interest on, any Exchangeable Bonds, (ii) failure to repurchase any Exchangeable Bonds when required or (iii) a failure to pay or deliver, as the case may be, the consideration due upon exchange of the Exchangeable Bonds. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing, the guarantor’s failure to own (directly or indirectly) 100% of the common equity of us shall constitute an event of default immediately upon such event.

Tax Additional Amounts

We and the guarantor, or any such successor, as applicable, will pay any amounts due with respect to the Exchangeable Bonds without deduction or withholding for any and all present and future withholding taxes, levies, imposts and charges (a “withholding tax”) imposed by or for the account of the Cayman Islands, Switzerland or any other jurisdiction in which we or the guarantor, or any such successor, as applicable, are resident for tax purposes or any political subdivision or taxing authority of such jurisdiction (the “taxing jurisdiction”), unless such withholding or deduction is required by law. If such deduction or withholding is at any time required, we or the guarantor, or any such successor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by you with any relevant administrative requirements) pay you additional amounts as will result in your receipt of such amounts as you would have received had no such withholding or deduction been required.

If the taxing jurisdiction requires us to deduct or withhold any of these taxes, levies, imposts or charges, we or the guarantor, or any such successor, as applicable, will (subject to compliance by the holder of Exchangeable Bonds with any relevant administrative requirements) pay these additional amounts in respect of principal amount, redemption price, repurchase price and interest (if any), in accordance with the terms of the Exchangeable Bonds and the indenture, as may be necessary so that the net amounts paid to the holder or the trustee after such deduction or withholding will equal the principal amount, redemption price, repurchase price and interest (if any), on the Exchangeable Bonds. However, none of us or the guarantor, or any such successor, as applicable, will pay additional amounts in the following instances:


(1) if any withholding would not be payable or due but for the fact that (1) the holder (or a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary of, member or shareholder of, the holder, if the holder is an estate, trust, partnership or corporation), is a domiciliary, national or resident of, or engaging in business or maintaining a permanent establishment or being physically present in, the taxing jurisdiction or otherwise having some present or former connection with the taxing jurisdiction other than the holding or ownership of the Exchangeable Bonds or the collection of principal amount, redemption price, repurchase price and interest (if any), in accordance with the terms of the Exchangeable Bonds and the indenture, or the enforcement of the Exchangeable Bonds or (2) where presentation is required, the Exchangeable Bonds were presented more than 30 days after the date such payment became due or was provided for, whichever is later,

(2) if any withholding tax would not have been imposed but for the failure to comply with certification, information, documentation or other reporting requirements concerning the nationality, residence, identity or connections with the relevant tax authority of the holder or beneficial owner of the Exchangeable Bonds, if this compliance is required by statute or by regulation as a precondition to relief or exemption from such withholding tax,

(3) if any withholding tax would not be payable but for a tax event and we have made a tax event offer to repurchase pursuant to the indenture, or

(4) if any withholding tax is required to be made in respect of payments made to holders of the Exchangeable Bonds resident in Switzerland (including any holders of Exchangeable Bonds who fail to provide required certification, documentation or other information establishing residence outside of Switzerland) pursuant to laws enacted by Switzerland providing for the taxation of payments according to principles similar to those laid down in the draft legislation of the Swiss Federal Council of December 17, 2014, or otherwise changing the Swiss federal withholding tax system from an issuer-based system to a paying agent-based system to which a person other than the issuer is required to withhold tax on any interest payment, or any combination of the instances described in the preceding bullet points.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a holder does not elect to exchange, or cause repurchase of, its Exchangeable Bonds following a tax event, none of us or the guarantor, or any such successor, as applicable, will be required to pay additional amounts with respect to payments made in respect of such Exchangeable Bonds following the tax event repurchase date, and all subsequent payments in respect of such Exchangeable Bonds will be subject to any tax required to be withheld or deducted under the laws of a relevant taxing jurisdiction. The obligation to pay additional amounts to any such holder for payments made on or in periods prior to the tax event repurchase date will remain subject to the exceptions described above.

Satisfaction and Discharge

When (a)(i) all outstanding Exchangeable Bonds have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or (ii) we or the guarantor has deposited with the trustee or delivered to holders, as applicable, after the Exchangeable Bonds have become due and payable, whether on the maturity date, any tax event repurchase date, any fundamental change repurchase date, upon exchange or otherwise, cash, the Shares, and any cash in lieu of fractional Shares, solely to satisfy the guarantor’s exchange obligation, sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay all of the outstanding Exchangeable Bonds and all other sums due and payable under the indenture by us and the guarantor; and (b) we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent for the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture have been complied with, then the indenture will cease to be of further effect with respect to the Exchangeable Bonds.

Amendments to the Indenture

With the consent of the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Bonds then outstanding, we, the guarantor and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures for the purpose of modifying or amending any of the provisions of the indenture or any supplemental indentures thereto, or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders hereunder or thereunder; provided, however, that, without the consent of each holder of an outstanding Exchangeable Bond affected, no such supplemental indenture shall:


reduce the principal amount of the then outstanding Exchangeable Bonds whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Exchangeable Bonds;
reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Exchangeable Bond;

make any change that adversely affects the exchange rights or tax event or fundamental change repurchase rights of the Exchangeable Bonds;
waive a default or event of default in the payment or delivery, as the case may be, of (i) the principal (including the tax event repurchase price, the change of control repurchase price or the listing event repurchase price, if any) of, (ii) interest on or (iii) any consideration due upon exchange of, the Exchangeable Bonds (except a rescission of acceleration of the Exchangeable Bonds by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Exchangeable Bonds and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

make any Exchangeable Bond payable in money other than that stated in the Exchangeable Bond;
make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to waivers of past defaults or the rights of holders of Exchangeable Bonds to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on the Exchangeable Bonds;
adversely alter any of the provisions with respect to a repurchase of the Exchangeable Bonds upon a tax event or fundamental change or waive any payment of the tax event repurchase price, the change of control repurchase price or the listing failure event repurchase price;
cause the Exchangeable Bonds or the guarantee to become subordinated in right of payment to any other indebtedness of us or the guarantor, as applicable;
make any change in the amendment and waiver provisions; or
release the guarantor from its obligations under the guarantee or the indenture, except as permitted by the indenture.

Further, without requiring the consent of any holders, we, the guarantor and the trustee may enter into supplemental indentures for one or more of the following purposes:

to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision in the indenture which may be inconsistent with any other provision in the indenture, provided such action will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Exchangeable Bonds in any material respect;
to provide for uncertificated Exchangeable Bonds in addition to or in place of physical bonds or to alter the provisions of the indenture regarding the form of the Exchangeable Bonds (including the related definitions) in a manner that does not adversely affect any holder of Exchangeable Bonds in any material respect;
to provide for the assumption of our or the guarantor’s obligations to the holders under the indenture by a successor company as provided for in the indenture;

to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any holder in any material respect, as determined in good faith by us, as evidenced in an officers’ certificate, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us or the guarantor;
to evidence and provide the acceptance of the appointment of a successor trustee pursuant to the terms of the indenture;
to add an additional guarantor to the Exchangeable Bonds;
to increase the exchange rate;
to provide for the issuance of additional Exchangeable Bonds as permitted under the indenture;
in connection with any event described under “—Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of the Shares,” to provide that the Exchangeable Bonds are exchangeable into reference property, subject to the provisions of the indenture, and make such related changes to the terms of the Exchangeable Bonds to the extent expressly required; or
to conform the provisions of the indenture of the Exchangeable Bonds to this “Description of Transocean Exchangeable Bonds.”

Global Exchangeable Bonds: Book-Entry Form

The Exchangeable Bonds are represented by one or more global securities. A global security is a special type of indirectly held security. Each global security is deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC and be registered in the name of a nominee of DTC.

Investors may hold interests in the Exchangeable Bonds outside the United States through Euroclear or Clearstream if they are participants in those systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in those systems. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in Euroclear’s and Clearstream’s names on the books of their respective depositaries which in turn will hold such positions in customers’ securities accounts in the names of the nominees of the depositaries on the books of DTC. All securities in Euroclear or Clearstream are held on a fungible basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to DTC participants (i.e., persons that have accounts with DTC or its nominee) or persons that may hold interests through DTC participants including Euroclear and Clearstream. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (except with respect to persons that are themselves DTC participants).

So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global security, DTC or the nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the Exchangeable Bonds represented by that global security under the indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have Exchangeable Bonds represented by that global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of Exchangeable Bonds in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the Exchangeable Bonds under the indenture. Principal and interest payments on Exchangeable Bonds registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be made to DTC or the nominee, as the registered owner. None of us, the guarantor, the trustee, any paying agent or the registrar for the Exchangeable Bonds will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in a global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests or with respect to delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other person (other than DTC) of any notice. The laws of


some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Those limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.

We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest, will credit immediately the participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their beneficial interests in the principal amount of the relevant global security as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue Exchangeable Bonds in definitive form in exchange for the entire global security for the Exchangeable Bonds. In addition, we may at any time choose not to have Exchangeable Bonds represented by a global security and will then issue Exchangeable Bonds in definitive form in exchange for the entire global security relating to the Exchangeable Bonds. In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security will be entitled to physical delivery in definitive form of Exchangeable Bonds represented by the global security equal in principal amount to that beneficial interest and to have the Exchangeable Bonds registered in its name. Exchangeable Bonds so issued in definitive form will be issued as registered Exchangeable Bonds in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof, unless otherwise specified by us.

Meetings of Holders

Meetings of holders of Exchangeable Bonds may be called at any time for any of the following purposes:

to give any notice to us or to the trustee or to give any directions to the trustee permitted under the indenture, or to consent to the waiving of any default or event of default under the indenture and its consequences, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by holders of Exchangeable Bonds in respect of an event of default or remedy in respect of an event of default;
to remove the trustee and nominate a successor trustee pursuant to the indenture;
to consent to the execution of an indenture or supplemental indenture amending or modifying the indenture; or
to take any other action authorized to be taken by or on behalf of the holders of any specified aggregate principal amount of Exchangeable Bonds under any other provision of the indenture.

Calls of Meetings

The trustee may at any time call a meeting of holders of Exchangeable Bonds to take any action specified above, to be held at such time and place as the trustee will determine. Notice of every meeting of holders of Exchangeable Bonds, setting forth the time and place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting and the establishment of any record date, will be delivered to holders of Exchangeable Bonds. Such notice will also be delivered to us, not less than 20 or more than 90 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.

Any meeting of holders of Exchangeable Bonds will be valid without notice if the holders of all Exchangeable Bonds then outstanding are present in person or by proxy or if notice is waived before or after the meeting by the holders of all Exchangeable Bonds then outstanding, and if we and the trustee are either present by duly authorized representatives or have, before or after the meeting, waived notice.

In case at any time we or the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Exchangeable Bonds then outstanding will have requested the trustee to call a meeting of holders of Exchangeable Bonds, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the trustee will not have


delivered the notice of such meeting within 20 days after receipt of such request, then we or such holders may determine the time and the place for such meeting and may call such meeting to take any action described above, by delivering notice thereof as provided in this section.

Qualifications for Voting

To be entitled to vote at any meeting of holders, a person must (a) be a holder of one or more Exchangeable Bonds on the record date pertaining to such meeting and (b) be a person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy by a holder of one or more Exchangeable Bonds on the record date pertaining to such meeting. The only persons entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of holders will be the persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the trustee and its counsel and any of our representatives and our counsel.

Notices

Any notice or communication delivered or to be delivered to a holder of Exchangeable Bonds, so long as the Exchangeable Bonds remain in global form, will be delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of the depositary and shall be sufficiently given to it if so delivered within the time prescribed. Notices to holders of Exchangeable Bonds in certificated form will be given by mail to the holder’s address as it appears in the Exchangeable Bonds register.

Information Regarding the Co-Trustees

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Trust Company of Canada are co-trustees under the indenture governing the Exchangeable Bonds. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. has also been appointed by us as paying agent, exchange agent, registrar and custodian with regard to the Exchangeable Bonds. The trustee and its affiliates provide and may from time to time in the future provide banking and other services to us in the ordinary course of their business.

Governing Law

The indenture and the Exchangeable Bonds are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.


Exhibit 10.48

PERFORMANCE AWARD AND CASH BONUS PLAN OF

TRANSOCEAN LTD.

(As Amended and Restated Effective August 1, 2018)

I.
GENERAL
1.1PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan (the “Plan”) of Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the “Company”), is intended to advance the best interests of the Company and its subsidiaries by providing employees with additional incentives through the grant of cash awards based on the performance of the employee or the Company, thereby increasing the personal stake of such employees in the continued success and growth of the Company and encouraging them to remain in the employ of the Company.

1.2ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
(a)The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee or other designated committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) which shall consist of at least three Directors who are not eligible to participate in the Plan. The Committee shall have authority to interpret conclusively the provisions of the Plan, to adopt such rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan as it may deem advisable, to decide conclusively all questions of fact arising in the application of the Plan, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. All decisions and acts of the Committee shall be final and binding upon all affected Plan participants.
(b)The Committee shall designate the eligible employees, if any, to be granted awards under the Plan and the type and amount of such awards and the time when awards will be granted. All awards granted under the Plan shall be on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter provided.
(c)The Committee retains all of its power and authority hereunder with regard to (i) the selection for participation in this Plan of any person subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (an “Executive Officer”) or (ii) decisions concerning the timing or amount of an award to an Executive Officer.  Unless the Committee decides otherwise, all other actions with respect to the designation of participation and determination of awards, with the exception of specifying Performance Objectives, can be taken by the Chief Executive Officer, or by any other executive officer as the Committee may deem appropriate, and references to the “Committee” in this Plan shall be deemed to refer to such person for this purpose.
(d)No member of the Board of Directors, Committee, Chief Executive Officer nor any other executive officer the Committee may deem appropriate to take actions hereunder, shall be liable for any act, omission, interpretation, construction or determination made in connection with this Plan in good faith.

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1.3ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS

Employees, including officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, and of partnerships or joint ventures in which the Company and its subsidiaries have a significant interest as determined by the Committee (all of such subsidiaries, partnerships and joint ventures being referred to as “Subsidiaries”) shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. Directors who are not employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan.

1.4AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN

Awards under the Plan may be in the form of (i) performance awards pursuant to Article II (“Performance Awards”), (ii) cash bonuses and awards pursuant to Article III or (iii) any combination of the foregoing.

1.5OTHER COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

The existence and terms of the Plan shall not limit the authority of the Board of Directors or the Committee in compensating employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries in such other forms and amounts, including compensation pursuant to any other plans as may be currently in effect or adopted in the future, as it may determine from time to time.

II.
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
2.1TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AWARDS

Subject to the following provisions, Performance Awards expressed as an amount of cash may be granted by the Committee in such form and upon such terms and conditions as the Committee, in its discretion, may from time to time determine. Each grant of a Performance Award shall specify the amount and nature of the Performance Award to be received by the employee subject to satisfaction of specified “Performance Objectives” within a specified “Performance Period.”

(a)Performance Period. The Performance Period with respect to each Performance Award shall be the period of time within which the Performance Objectives relating to that award are to be achieved. The Committee shall determine the length of the Performance Period.
(b)Performance Objectives. Performance Awards shall be deemed to have been earned by an employee based upon achievement of Performance Objectives specified by the Committee at the time of grant. Such Performance Objectives shall be one or more of the Performance Objectives specified in the Company’s 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (such plan or a successor plan, the “LTIP”), under which the Plan is established, and may be described in terms of Company-wide objectives or of objectives which are related to performance of the employee or of the Subsidiary, division, department or function within the Company in which the employee is employed. Performance Objectives relating to any particular grant of a Performance Award need not be the same as those relating to any other grant, whether made at the same or a different

2


time. The Committee may specify in connection with each grant of a Performance Award a minimum acceptable level of achievement of the relevant Performance Objectives (the “Minimum”). If events, transactions or conditions occur or exist which, in the sole judgment of the Committee, cause the Performance Objectives or Minimum relating to such Performance Award to be an inappropriate measure of the achievement of the employee, the Committee may adjust such Performance Objectives or Minimum.
(c)Earning of Award. The Committee shall, promptly after the date on which the necessary financial or other information for a particular Performance Period becomes available, determine the extent to which the Performance Award to which such Performance Period relates has been earned by the employee through achievement of the relevant Performance Objectives. If the Performance Objectives have been attained or exceeded, the employee shall be deemed to have earned such Performance Award to the extent specified under the terms and conditions established by the Committee. If the Performance Objectives have not been attained but the relevant Minimum, if any, has been attained or exceeded, the percentage of the Performance Award deemed to have been earned by the employee shall be determined in accordance with a formula prescribed by the Committee at the time such Performance Award was granted. If the Minimum has not been attained, the employee shall be deemed not to have earned the Performance Award. If a Performance Award is granted at any time after the first day of a Performance Period, the amount of such Award shall be the amount determined pursuant to this paragraph multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months during the Performance Period during which such grant was in effect, and the denominator of which is the total number of months in the Performance Period. No Performance Award shall become payable to an Executive Officer unless and until the Committee has certified the results of the Performance Objectives.
(d)Termination of Employment. If an employee’s employment has terminated because of death or disability (as determined by the Committee) prior to the end of the Performance Period, the extent to which a Performance Award shall be deemed to have been earned shall be determined based on the target level of the Performance Objectives, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full calendar months such employee was employed during the Performance Period and the denominator of which is the total number of full calendar months in the Performance Period, and the Performance Award shall be distributed as soon as practicable following such termination of employment. If an employee’s employment has terminated because of retirement (under a retirement program of the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or otherwise as determined by the Committee) prior to the end of the Performance Period, the extent to which a Performance Award shall be deemed to have been earned shall be determined by multiplying the amount of the Performance Award which would have been earned had the employee’s employment not been terminated by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full calendar months such employee was employed during the Performance Period and the denominator of which is the total number of full calendar months in the Performance Period. Except as provided in the Company’s Executive Severance Benefit Policy (as modified by this Section 2(d)), if the employee’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described in the preceding sentences, the employee shall be deemed not to have earned the Performance Award or any part

3


thereof unless the Committee determines otherwise in its sole discretion (in which event the extent to which the Performance Award shall be deemed to have been earned shall not exceed the amount determined pursuant to this Section 2.1(d)).  Notwithstanding any terms of the Company’s Executive Severance Benefit Policy to the contrary, if an Executive Officer is entitled to any payment pursuant to Section 6.2 of the Company’s Executive Severance Benefit Policy, the amount of such payment shall be determined under this Section 2.1(d) as if such employee’s employment terminated due to retirement.
(e)Distributions. A Performance Award, to the extent that it has been earned, shall be distributed in a cash lump-sum no later than the March 15th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Performance Period is completed.  Except as provided in Section 2.1(d), an employee’s Performance Award shall be forfeited if the employee is not actively employed by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries on the date a Performance Award is distributed.
(f)Change of Control. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.1 or contained in any Performance Award granted hereunder, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in Section 4.7), the Performance Awards for the Performance Period during which the Change of Control occurs will be based on the sum of (i) the greater of (a) presumed achievement at the target level or (b) actual achievement of applicable Performance Objectives through the date of the Change of Control, plus (ii) presumed achievement at the target level for the remainder of the Performance Period beginning on the date following the Change of Control and ending on the last day of the Performance Period. In the event an employee’s employment terminates after the Change of Control and prior to the end of the Performance Period in which the Change of Control occurs, the employee shall be entitled to receive a Performance Award based on the sum of the full amount in (i) above through the date of the Change of Control, and a pro-rata portion of the amount in (ii) above, determined by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days of the employee’s employment in the Performance Period after the Change of Control and the denominator of which is the number of days in the Performance Period after the Change of Control.  Notwithstanding the provision of Section 2.1(b), following a Change of Control the Committee shall not adjust the Performance Objectives or Minimum or other terms specified in a Performance Award in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control in a manner adverse to the Participant.
III.
CASH BONUSES AND AWARDS
3.1CASH BONUSES AND AWARDS

The Committee, from time to time, may grant cash bonuses and other cash awards. The Committee may also delegate the authority to grant cash bonuses and awards in accordance with Section 1.2(c) and the policies adopted by the Committee. All bonuses and awards granted under this Section 3.1 shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee, in its discretion, may determine from time to time; any such bonuses or awards

4


granted under this Section 3.1 shall be paid no later than the March 15th of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which such bonus or award was granted.

IV.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
4.1AMENDMENTS
(a)The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, discontinue the Plan at any time, or amend it from time to time.
(b)The Committee shall have the authority to amend any grant to include any provision which, at the time of such amendment, is authorized under the terms of the Plan; however, no outstanding award may be revoked or altered in a manner unfavorable to the holder without the written consent of the holder.
4.2CANCELLATION OF AWARDS

Any award granted under the Plan may be canceled at any time with the consent of the holder and a new award may be granted to such holder in lieu thereof, which award may, in the discretion of the Committee, be on more favorable terms and conditions than the canceled award.

4.3WITHHOLDING

Payments under the Plan shall be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state or local withholding tax liability.

4.4NON-ASSIGNABILITY

No award under the Plan shall be assignable or transferable by the holder thereof except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

4.5NON-UNIFORM DETERMINATIONS

Determinations by the Committee (or its delegate) under the Plan (including, without limitation, determinations of the persons to receive awards; the form, amount and timing of such awards; the terms and provisions of such awards and the agreements evidencing same; and determinations with respect to terminations of employment) need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, awards under the Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated.

4.6NO GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT

The grant of an award under the Plan shall not constitute an assurance of continued employment for any period.

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4.7CHANGE OF CONTROL

A “Change of Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the most recent LTIP as in effect on the date an award under the Plan is granted.

4.8CLAWBACK POLICY

Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, any award under this Plan which is subject to recovery under any law, governmental regulation, stock exchange listing requirement or any policy adopted by the Company will be subject to forfeiture and/or recoupment as may be required thereunder.

4.9EFFECTIVE DATE

The Plan was established effective January 1, 2009 and subsequently amended and restated January 1, 2017.  As hereby amended and restated, the Plan is effective August 1, 2018.

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Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF TRANSOCEAN LTD.

(as of December 31, 2020)

Entity

Jurisdiction

15375 Memorial Corporation

Delaware

Agon Shipping Inc.

Marshall Islands

Aguas Profundas, Limitada

Angola

Angola Deepwater Drilling Company (Offshore Services) Ltd

Cayman Islands

AngoSantaFe - Prestacao de Servicos Petroliferos, Limitada

Angola

Arcade Drilling AS

Norway

Asie Sonat Offshore Sdn. Bhd.

Malaysia

Blegra Asset Management Limited

Cyprus

Blegra Financing Limited

Cyprus

Caledonia Offshore Drilling Services Limited

England & Wales

Challenger Minerals (Accra) Inc.

Cayman Islands

Challenger Minerals (Celtic Sea) Limited

British Virgin Islands

Challenger Minerals Inc.

California

Covent Garden - Serviços e Marketing, Sociedade Unipessoal Lda

Portugal

Deepwater Drilling (Transocean Ghana) Limited

Ghana

Deepwater Drilling North Africa LLC - Free Zone

Egypt

Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc.

Cayman Islands

Drillship Alonissos Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Drillship Hydra Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Drillship Kithira Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Drillship Kythnos Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Drillship Paros Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Drillship Skiathos Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Drillship Skopelos Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Drillship Skyros Owners Inc.

Marshall Islands

Eastern Med Consultants Inc.

Marshall Islands

Entities Holdings, Inc.

Delaware

Global Marine Inc.

Delaware

Global Offshore Drilling Limited

Nigeria

GlobalSantaFe (Labuan) Inc.

Malaysia

GlobalSantaFe Arctic Ltd.

Nova Scotia

GlobalSantaFe B.V.

Netherlands

GlobalSantaFe C.R. Luigs Limited

England & Wales

GlobalSantaFe Denmark Holdings ApS

Denmark

GlobalSantaFe Drilling (N.A.) N.V.

Netherlands Antilles

GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company

Delaware

GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (North Sea) Limited

England & Wales


GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (Overseas) Limited

England & Wales

GlobalSantaFe Drilling Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.

Mexico

GlobalSantaFe Drilling Operations Inc.

Cayman Islands

GlobalSantaFe Drilling Services (North Sea) Limited

England & Wales

GlobalSantaFe Drilling Trinidad LLC

Delaware

GlobalSantaFe Drilling Venezuela, C.A.

Venezuela

GlobalSantaFe Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l.

Luxembourg

GlobalSantaFe Group Financing Limited Liability Company

Hungary

GlobalSantaFe Holding Company (North Sea) Limited

England & Wales

GlobalSantaFe Hungary Services Limited Liability Company

Hungary

GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Corporation

Bahamas

GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Inc.

British Virgin Islands

GlobalSantaFe International Services Inc.

Cayman Islands

GlobalSantaFe Nederland B.V.

Netherlands

GlobalSantaFe Offshore Services Inc.

Cayman Islands

GlobalSantaFe Operations (Mexico) LLC

Delaware

GlobalSantaFe Operations Inc.

Cayman Islands

GlobalSantaFe Overseas Limited

Bahamas

GlobalSantaFe Saudi Arabia Ltd.

British Virgin Islands

GlobalSantaFe Services (BVI) Inc.

Cayman Islands

GlobalSantaFe Services Netherlands B.V.

Netherlands

GlobalSantaFe Servicios de Venezuela, C.A.

Venezuela

GlobalSantaFe South America LLC

Delaware

GlobalSantaFe Tampico, S. de R.L. de C.V.

Mexico

GlobalSantaFe Techserv (North Sea) Limited

England & Wales

GlobalSantaFe U.S. Holdings Inc.

Delaware

GSF Leasing Services GmbH

Switzerland

Hellerup Finance International

Ireland

Indigo Drilling Limited

Nigeria

Integral Oil Services, Lda.

Intermarine Services (International) Limited

Bahamas

International Chandlers, Inc.

Texas

Kalambo Operations Inc.

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig 1 Inc

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig 2 Inc.

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig Black Sea Coöperatief U.A.

Netherlands

Ocean Rig Black Sea Operations B.V.

Netherlands

Ocean Rig Block 33 Brasil B.V.

Netherlands

Ocean Rig Block 33 Brasil Coöperatief U.A.

Netherlands

Ocean Rig Canada Inc.

Nova Scotia

Ocean Rig Cuanza Operations Inc.

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig Cubango Operations Inc.

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig Deepwater Drilling Limited

Nigeria

Ocean Rig do Brasil Servicos de Petroleo Ltda.

Brazil


Ocean Rig Drilling Operations B.V.

Netherlands

Ocean Rig Drilling Operations Coöperatief U.A.

Netherlands

Ocean Rig Investments Inc.

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig Management Inc.

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig Offshore Management Limited

Jersey

Ocean Rig Operations Inc.

Marshall Islands

Ocean Rig Rio de Janeiro Servicos de Petroleo Ltda.

Brazil

Ocean Rig UDW Inc.

Cayman Islands

Ocean Rig UDW LLC

Delaware

OCR Falklands Drilling Inc.

Marshall Islands

Offshore Ghana Transocean Limited

Ghana

Olympia Rig Angola Holding, S.A.

Angola

Olympia Rig Angola, Limitada

Angola

OR Crewing Limited

Jersey

OR Norge Operations Inc.

Marshall Islands

Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited

Cayman Islands

Orion RigCo (Cayman) Limited

Cayman Islands

P.T. Santa Fe Supraco Indonesia

Indonesia

Platform Capital N.V.

Netherlands Antilles

Platform Financial N.V.

Netherlands Antilles

Primelead Limited

Cyprus

PT. Transocean Indonesia

Indonesia

R&B Falcon (A) Pty Ltd

Western Australia

R&B Falcon (Caledonia) Limited

England & Wales

R&B Falcon (Ireland) Limited

Ireland

R&B Falcon (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Malaysia

R&B Falcon (U.K.) Limited

England & Wales

R&B Falcon B.V.

Netherlands

R&B Falcon Deepwater (UK) Limited

England & Wales

R&B Falcon Drilling Co. LLC

Delaware

R&B Falcon Exploration Co., LLC

Oklahoma

R&B Falcon International Energy Services B.V.

Netherlands

Ranger Insurance Limited

Cayman Islands

RB Mediterranean Ltd.

Cayman Islands

RBF Exploration LLC

Delaware

RBF Rig Corporation, LLC

Delaware

Reading & Bates Coal Co., LLC

Nevada

Resource Rig Supply Inc.

Delaware

Safemal Drilling Sdn. Bhd.

Malaysia

Santa Fe Braun Inc.

Delaware

Santa Fe Construction Company

Delaware

Santa Fe Drilling Company of Venezuela, C.A.

California

Saudi Drilling Company Limited

Saudi Arabia

SDS Offshore Limited

England & Wales


Sedco Forex International, Inc.

Cayman Islands

Services Petroliers Transocean

France

Servicios Petroleros Santa Fe, S.A.

Venezuela

Ship Investment Ocean Holdings Inc.

Marshall Islands

Songa Offshore Delta Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Drilling Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Enabler Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Encourage Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Endurance Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Equinox Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Equipment Rental Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Malaysia

Songa Offshore Management Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore Pte. Ltd.

Singapore

Songa Offshore Rig 2 AS

Norway

Songa Offshore Rig 3 AS

Norway

Songa Offshore Saturn Limited

Cyprus

Songa Offshore SE

Cyprus

Songa Offshore T & P Cyprus Limited

Cyprus

Songa Saturn Chartering Pte. Ltd.

Singapore

Sub-Saharan Drilling Inc.

Marshall Islands

T. I. International Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.

Mexico

TILAM Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Africa Drilling Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Asia Services Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

Transocean Asset Holdings 1 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Asset Holdings 2 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Asset Holdings 3 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Atlas Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Barents ASA

Norway

Transocean Brasil Ltda.

Brazil

Transocean Britannia Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Canada Drilling Services Ltd.

Nova Scotia

Transocean Conqueror Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Conqueror Opco, Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Corporate Services Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Cyprus Capital Management Public Limited

Cyprus

Transocean Cyprus Drilling Operations Public Limited

Cyprus

Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Deepwater Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Deepwater Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Deepwater Mauritius

Mauritius

Transocean Deepwater Nautilus Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Deepwater Seafarer Services Limited

Cayman Islands


Transocean Discoverer 534 LLC

Delaware

Transocean Drilling (U.S.A.) Inc.

Texas

Transocean Drilling Enterprises S.a.r.l.

Luxembourg

Transocean Drilling Israel Ltd.

Cayman Islands

Transocean Drilling Limited

Scotland

Transocean Drilling Namibia Inc.

Cayman Islands

Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l.

Luxembourg

Transocean Drilling Sdn. Bhd.

Malaysia

Transocean Drilling Services (India) Private Limited

India

Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited

Scotland

Transocean Eastern Pte. Ltd.

Singapore

Transocean Employee Support Fund

Texas

Transocean Enabler Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Encourage Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Endurance Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH

Switzerland

Transocean Equinox Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Finance Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Financing GmbH

Switzerland

Transocean Guardian Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Holdings 1 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Holdings 2 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Holdings 3 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Holdings LLC

Delaware

Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC

Hungary

Transocean Hungary Investments LLC

Hungary

Transocean Hungary Ventures LLC

Hungary

Transocean Inc.

Cayman Islands

Transocean Innovation Labs Ltd.

Cayman Islands

Transocean International Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean International Resources, Limited

British Virgin Islands

Transocean Investimentos Ltda.

Brazil

Transocean Investments S.a.r.l.

Luxembourg

Transocean Ltd.

Switzerland

Transocean Management Services GmbH

Switzerland

Transocean Nautilus Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean North Sea Limited

Bahamas

Transocean Norway Operations AS

Norway

Transocean Offshore (North Sea) Ltd.

Cayman Islands

Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Offshore Drilling Limited

England & Wales

Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea II Limited

British Virgin Islands

Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VI Limited

British Virgin Islands


Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VII Limited

British Virgin Islands

Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XII Limited

British Virgin Islands

Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XIII Limited

British Virgin Islands

Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Offshore International Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Offshore Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Offshore PR Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Offshore USA Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Offshore Ventures Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Onshore Support Services Limited

Scotland

Transocean Orion Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Phoenix 2 Opco, Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Pontus Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Pontus Opco, Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Poseidon Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Poseidon Opco, Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Proteus Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Proteus Opco, Inc.

Delaware

Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Quantum Management Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Quantum Rig Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Quantum Sentry Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Rig 140 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Rig Management Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Sentry Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Services (India) Private Limited

India

Transocean Services AS

Norway

Transocean Services UK Limited

England & Wales

Transocean Servicos Petroliferos Ltda.

Brazil

Transocean Skyros Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Spitsbergen ASA

Norway

Transocean SPSF Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 1 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 2 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 3 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Support Services Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Support Services Nigeria Limited

Nigeria

Transocean Support Services Private Limited

India

Transocean Technical Services Egypt LLC

Egypt

Transocean Technology Innovations LLC

Delaware

Transocean UK Limited

Luxembourg


Transocean Voyager 1 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Voyager 2 Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean West Africa Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

Transocean Worldwide Inc.

Cayman Islands

Triton Asset Leasing GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Capital I GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Capital II GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Capital Mexico GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Conqueror GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Corcovado LLC

Hungary

Triton Financing LLC

Hungary

Triton Gemini GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Holdings Limited

British Virgin Islands

Triton Hungary Asset Management LLC

Hungary

Triton Hungary Investments 1 Limited Liability Company

Hungary

Triton Industries, Inc.

Cayman Islands

Triton KG2 GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Management Services LLC

Hungary

Triton Mykonos LLC

Hungary

Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Nautilus Asset Management LLC

Hungary

Triton Offshore Leasing Services Limited

Malaysia

Triton Pacific Limited

England & Wales

Triton Poseidon GmbH

Switzerland

Triton Voyager Asset Leasing GmbH

Switzerland

TRM Holdings Limited

Cayman Islands

TSSA - Servicos de Apoio, Lda.

Angola

Wilrig Offshore (UK) Limited

England & Wales


Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries:           

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-46374-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendments on Form S-8 and Form S-3,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-54668-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendments on Form S-8 and Form S-3,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 033-64776-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendments on Form S-8,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-12475-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendments on Form S-8,

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-58211-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendments on Form S-8,

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-58203-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendments on Form S-8,

(7) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-94543-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(8) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-94569-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(9) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-94551-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(10) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-75532-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(11) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-75540-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(12) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-106026-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(13) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-115456-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(14) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-130282-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(15) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-147669-99) as amended by Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-8,

(16) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-163320),

(17) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-204359),

(18) Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-213146) as supplemented by Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-214768),

(19) Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-220791),

(20) Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-222894),

(21) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-222895),

(22) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-222896),

(23) Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-227487),

(24) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-227750),

(25) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-238091), and

(26) Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-248616);

of our reports dated February 26, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Transocean Ltd. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2020.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Houston, Texas

February 26, 2021


Exhibit 24

TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Glyn A. Barker  

Name:  Glyn A. Barker


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in her capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, her true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in her name, place and stead, in her capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Vanessa C. L. Chang  

Name:  Vanessa C. L. Chang


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Frederico F. Curado  

Name:  Frederico F. Curado


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Chadwick C. Deaton  

Name:  Chadwick C. Deaton


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Vincent J. Intrieri  

Name: Vincent J. Intrieri


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Tan Ek Kia  

Name:  Tan Ek Kia


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 24th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Samuel J. Merksamer  

Name:  Samuel J. Merksamer


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Frederik W. Mohn  

Name:  Frederik W. Mohn


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Edward R. Muller  

Name:  Edward R. Muller


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in his capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, his true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in his name, place and stead, in his capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Jeremy D. Thigpen  

Name:  Jeremy D. Thigpen


TRANSOCEAN LTD.

 

Power of Attorney

 

 

WHEREAS, TRANSOCEAN LTD., a Swiss company (the “Company”), intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of the Company, together with any and all exhibits, documents and other instruments and documents necessary, advisable or appropriate in connection therewith, including any amendments thereto (the “Form 10-K”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned, in her capacity as a director or officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, does hereby appoint Jeremy D. Thigpen, Mark L. Mey, Brady K. Long, Sandro Thoma, David Tonnel, and Daniel Ro-Trock, and each of them severally, her true and lawful attorney or attorneys with power to act with or without the other, and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to execute in her name, place and stead, in her capacity as director, officer or both, as the case may be, of the Company, the Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, including any and all exhibits and other instruments and documents said attorney or attorneys shall deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Commission and to appear before the Commission in connection with any matter relating thereto.  Each of said attorneys shall have the full power and authority to do and perform in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person, the undersigned hereby ratifying and approving the acts that said attorneys and each of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of attorney as of the 26th day of February 2021.

 

   

By: /s/ Diane de Saint Victor  

Name: Diane de Saint Victor


Exhibit 31.1

CEO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Jeremy D. Thigpen, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Transocean Ltd.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:     February 26, 2021

/s/ Jeremy D. Thigpen

Jeremy D. Thigpen
President and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit 31.2

CFO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Mark L. Mey, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Transocean Ltd.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:     February 26, 2021

/s/ Mark L. Mey

Mark L. Mey
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES
-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (SUBSECTIONS (a) AND (b)
OF SECTION 1350, CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Jeremy D. Thigpen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, to my knowledge, that:

(1)

the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)

information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:February 26, 2021

/s/ Jeremy D. Thigpen

Jeremy D. Thigpen

President and Chief Executive Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.


Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES
-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 (SUBSECTIONS (a) AND (b)
OF SECTION 1350, CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Mark L. Mey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Transocean Ltd., a Swiss corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, to my knowledge, that:

(1)

the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)

information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:February 26, 2021

/s/ Mark L. Mey

Mark L. Mey

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.