11.   The rig is being built mostly in New Iberia, La., with pieces farmed out to fabrication shops in locations as far away as Germany.

12.   Until many new rigs are built, which could take several years, Ensco is positioned to enjoy sharp gains in earnings, the Merrill Lynch managers believe.

13.   While rental rates for offshore rigs have increased, the amounts being paid remain below what it would cost to build new rigs.

14.   Heerema Marine Construction, the Dutch company building the rig, settled out of court and agreed to hire a marine biologist to oversee underwater work.