Valaris Receives Court Approval for Bankruptcy Reorganization Plan

Valaris, the world’s largest offshore rig operator, has received approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for its prearranged plan of reorganization filed as part of 2020 Chapter 11 voluntary bankruptcy. Last August, Valaris reached a deal with half of its bondholders to reduce its debt and finance its continuing operations through the bankruptcy process.

The bankruptcy plan will eliminate $7.1 billion of existing debt and will provide Valaris with a $520 million capital injection through the issuance of a secured note maturing in 2028. The plan received support from approximately 80 percent of the company’s unsecured noteholders and bank lenders representing all of the company’s credit facility claims. Also, approximately 81 percent of the company’s voting shareholders voted to accept the plan. 

“I am pleased that we have received strong support for the company’s amended plan. This is an important milestone, as it clears the path for Valaris to emerge from chapter 11 early in the second quarter. The overwhelming support from our noteholders and bank lenders shows their confidence in our go-forward strategy and strength as a company,” said Tom Burke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Valaris. 

Valaris has also reached an agreement with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. to amend its two newbuild drillship contracts. The delivery dates are being extended to December 31, 2023, while the company has the option to take delivery early or terminate the contracts on a non-recourse basis. Final payments for the VALARIS DS-13 and VALARIS DS-14 are estimated to be approximately $119 million and $218 million. 

Formed in 2019 through the combination of Ensco and Rowan Drilling, Valaris became the leader in the industry at a time when the ultra-deepwater market was continuing to show strong weakness from the collapse in the price of oil. The company began efforts to “right-size and streamline the organization,” but the substantial downturn in the sector, and later the impact of the pandemic, forced the company to use a bankruptcy filing to further restructure its operations to lower operating costs and its debt.

Valaris’ fleet consists of ultra-deepwater drillships, semisubmersibles, and shallow-water jackups.