T-9 is about 50% complete and is being constructed in Malaysia. Once it is completed in 2004, total ownership will pass to Varia Perdana.

According to Smedvig CEO Kjell E Jacobsen, this deal "provides for a consolidation of the tender rig activities in Malaysia and forms a platform for further growth." The rig is capable of operating in deep waters, shallow waters and extended reach wells and is being built by Malaysia Shipyard & Engineering Sdn Bhd in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

Smedvig has a 49% ownership share in Varia Perdana and owns the tender rigs T-2, T-3 and T-6.