ATWOOD OCEANICS Announces No Contract Commitment for the ATWOOD SOUTHERN CROSS Expected...

ATWOOD OCEANICS Announces No Contract Commitment for the ATWOOD SOUTHERN CROSS
Expected Through June 30, 2009

HOUSTON, March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC.,
(Houston-based International Drilling Contractor) (NYSE: ATW), announced today
that they continue to pursue contract opportunities for the ATWOOD SOUTHERN
CROSS in all worldwide markets in which it technically can work; however, we
do not presently expect to receive any contract commitments for the rig
through June 30, 2009. Currently, we plan to keep the rig prepared to
immediately commence working once a contract opportunity has been identified.

The ATWOOD AURORA, which is on location offshore Egypt, continues with its
commissioning following weather delays and is currently expected to commence
working under its contract with RWE DEA Nile GmbH sometime in April 2009.

Statements contained in this report with respect to the future are
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's reasonable
judgment with respect to future events. Forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated as a result of various factors including; the Company's dependence
on the oil and gas industry; the risks involved the construction of a rig;
competition; operating risks; risks involved in foreign operations; risks
associated with possible disruption in operations due to terrorism; risks
associated with a possible disruption in operations due to a war with Iraq;
and governmental regulations and environmental matters. A list of additional
risk factors can be found in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

SOURCE Atwood Oceanics, Inc.

Jim Holland, +1-281-749-7804, for Atwood Oceanics, Inc.