a contract extension with a favorable dayrate increase. These increases in contract drilling revenue were partially offset by the Ocean Onyx completing its contract in Australia and currently being stacked in Western Australia while the Company continues to pursue prospects in the region. Contract drilling expense for the third quarter increased by 9%, reflecting a higher operating cost structure for the Ocean BlackHawk in Senegal as well as the commencement of reactivation activities for the Ocean GreatWhite.
Net income for the quarter was $5.5 million, inclusive of a $23 million non-cash tax benefit, as compared to a net loss of $22 million in the prior quarter.
Operational Highlights
During the quarter, the Company’s fleet continued to perform well, improving to 97.3% revenue efficiency. The Ocean BlackHawk earned a performance bonus upon completion of its first well in Senegal. In addition, the Company continued to make sequential improvements in safety performance, with no lost-time-incidents.
In October, the managed drillship Vela commenced a one-well contract in the Gulf of Mexico to be followed by a five-well, or minimum 225-day duration, contract with options for up to seven wells.
Liquidity and Outlook
As of September 30, 2022, Diamond Offshore had total liquidity of $296 million, comprised of $23 million of unrestricted cash and $273 million of available capacity on its revolving credit facility and delayed draw First Lien Notes.
Remarking on the outlook for the offshore drilling market, Wolford commented, “Market fundamentals continue to improve in our industry, driving improved dayrates and growing visibility of future demand.”
CONFERENCE CALL
A conference call to discuss Diamond Offshore’s earnings results has been scheduled for 8:00 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. A live webcast of the call will be available online on the Company’s website, www.diamondoffshore.com. Participants who want to join the call via telephone or want to participate in the question-and-answer session may register here to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN to access the call. An online replay will also be available on www.diamondoffshore.com following the call.
ABOUT DIAMOND OFFSHORE
Diamond Offshore is a leader in offshore drilling, providing innovation, thought leadership and contract drilling services to solve complex deepwater challenges around the globe. Additional information and access to the Company’s SEC filings are available at http://www.diamondoffshore.com/.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements contained in this press release and statements made in the referenced conference call that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of