STATUS PETROMENA ASA

Reference is made to the latest announcements from the company
concerning financing of PetroRig I, hereunder approval given in the bondholder meeting March 11 2009 and MOU concerning sale
of PetroRig I and III.

The company has received notice of default for bond loans
ISIN: NO 001035264.4 -FRN PetroRig III Pte Ltd,
ISIN: NO 001031608.6 - 9.75% PetroMENA ASA and
ISIN: NO 001039578.3 - 10.85% PetroMENA ASA.

The main reason for default notice under the FRN loan is the deferred increase of USD 50 Million as equity.
The company has previously stated that the yard has accepted postponement of the USD 105 million installment until delivery in
January 2010. Consequently also the equity increase of USD 50m could be postponed.

The default notice also includes the failure to take delivery March 31 2009.
The company has no obligation to take delivery March 31.
Technical acceptance has taken place and final delivery is expected in a couple of weeks.

It is further argued that sufficient information has not been provided to the bondholders.
The company has done its utmost to supply all required documentation.

Therefore the company reject that any default exist.

The company continues to secure financing of PetroRig I in accordance with the bondholders`s approval in
the meeting March 11 2009.
The company also continues to complete the due dillingence on the sale of PetroRig I and III together with the potential buyers.

Petrolia Drilling ASA owns 51.5% of the shares outstanding in PetroMENA ASA

Bergen/Oslo, 06 April 2009


Contact person : Mr Lars Moldestad : lars.moldestad@log-ior.no