Transocean (RIG) 424B5Prospectus supplement for primary offering

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS‌ii

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION‌iii

SUMMARY‌1

THE OFFERING‌3

RISK FACTORS‌4

USE OF PROCEEDS‌6

MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES‌7

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION‌15

LEGAL MATTERS‌18

EXPERTS‌18

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION‌18

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE‌18

BASE PROSPECTUS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS‌ii

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION‌iii

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES AGAINST FOREIGN PERSONS‌1

ABOUT TRANSOCEAN LTD.‌2

ABOUT TRANSOCEAN INC.‌2

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION‌3

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE‌3

RISK FACTORS‌4

USE OF PROCEEDS‌5

DESCRIPTION OF TRANSOCEAN INC. DEBT SECURITIES AND TRANSOCEAN LTD. GUARANTEE‌6

DESCRIPTION OF TRANSOCEAN LTD. SHARES‌14

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS‌24

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS‌25

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS‌25

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS‌26

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS‌26

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION‌28

VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES‌31

EXPERTS‌31

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS

This document consists of two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of sales of our shares made under this equity offering program and also adds to and updates the information contained or incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which describes more general information regarding our securities, some of which does not apply to the sales made under this equity offering program. You should read both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation by Reference” in this prospectus supplement and “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation by Reference” in the accompanying prospectus in their entirety before making an investment decision.

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We and the sales agent take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We and the sales agent are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate only as of the date on its respective cover page and that any information incorporated by reference into any of the foregoing is accurate only as of the date of such document incorporated by reference. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

In this prospectus, references to “dollars” and “$” are to United States currency, and the terms “United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America, its states, its territories, its possessions and all areas subject to its jurisdiction. References to “CHF” are to Swiss francs.

We are not making an offer to sell shares in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale of such shares is not permitted.

References in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms mean Transocean Ltd. and its subsidiaries unless indicated otherwise.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The statements included in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated into this prospectus supplement by reference regarding future financial performance and results of operations and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated into this prospectus supplement by reference include, but are not limited to, statements about the following subjects:

Forward-looking statements are identifiable by use of the following words and other similar expressions:

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Such statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to:

The foregoing risks and uncertainties are beyond our ability to control, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking

statements, each of which speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law.

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our shares involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the risks related to the shares and an investment in us that are described below and contained in the risk factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. This prospectus supplement also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks related to the shares and faced by us described below and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement.

Risks Related to the Offering

The shares offered under the equity offering program described in this prospectus supplement will be sold in “at-the-market” offerings, and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.

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Investors who purchase shares under the equity offering program described in this prospectus supplement at different times will likely pay different prices, and so may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to vary the timing, prices, and numbers of shares sold, and there is no minimum or maximum sales price. Investors may experience declines in the value of their shares if they subsequently sell the shares at prices lower than the prices they paid.

Market volatility may affect the price of our shares and the value of your investment.

The market price of our shares may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, many of which we cannot predict or control, including supply of and demand for oil and natural gas and the prices of oil and natural gas, conditions in the offshore contract drilling industry, general market and economic conditions, disruptions, downgrades, credit events and perceived problems in the credit markets; actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends; changes in our investments or asset composition; write-downs or perceived credit or liquidity issues affecting our assets; market perception of our business and our assets; reports by industry analysts; changes in our financial guidance or negative announcements by our customers, competitors or suppliers regarding their own performance; our level of indebtedness and/or adverse market reaction to any indebtedness that we may incur in the future; our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; loss of any major funding source; additions or departures of our executive officers or key personnel; changes in market valuations of similar offshore contract drilling services companies; and speculation in the press or investment community.

Securities markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. Any broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our shares.

Our management will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds from any sales made under this equity offering program and may not use the proceeds effectively.

Our management will have broad discretion as to the application of the net proceeds from any sales made under this equity offering program and could spend the proceeds in a variety of ways that may ultimately fail to improve our operating results or enhance the value of our shares. Our failure to apply these funds effectively could have a negative effect on our business and cause the price of our shares to decline.

Swiss law entitles existing shareholders to pre-emptive rights, which must be lawfully excluded in connection with this offering. Failure to lawfully exclude these pre-emptive rights may result in liability or other damages.

Swiss law grants existing shareholders pre-emptive rights when a company issues new shares. In case of an authorized share capital increase, as is the case with respect to the offering of up to 114,567,616 shares described in this prospectus supplement, Swiss law and our articles of association authorize our board of directors to withdraw pre-emptive rights of shareholders with respect to up to 114,567,616 shares if certain criteria are met. These criteria are not of a safe harbor nature but require our board of directors to balance various interests and thus to exercise business judgment. The board of directors has determined that, in this instance, the relevant criteria pursuant to our articles of association and Swiss law to withdraw preemptive rights are met, among other things because the issue price of the new shares is determined by reference to the relevant market price at the time, the proceeds of the offering are intended to be used for the repayment or refinancing of capital expenditures and investments, and the share issuance broadens the constituency of our shareholders in the U.S. market. Our board of directors has, on that basis, authorized the issuance of up to 114,567,616 shares out of our existing authorized share capital for the purposes of this offering and withdrawn pre-emptive rights existing shareholders in connection with this offering described in this prospectus supplement. Any dispute regarding such withdrawal could result in liability for the company, our board of directors or limit or put a burden on our ability to obtain financing in similar offerings in the future.

Our subsidiaries’ ability to utilize U.S. net operating loss carryforwards to reduce future U.S. taxable income could be limited.

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Certain of our subsidiaries have U.S. net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  Our subsidiaries’ ability to utilize such NOL carryforwards would be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), if we experience an “ownership change,” which generally will occur if there is a cumulative increase of more than 50 percentage points in the ownership of our stock by one or more “5% shareholders” at any time during a three-year period.  In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on a subsidiary’s NOL carryforwards that can be used to offset future U.S. taxable income, which limitation generally is equal to (a) the fair market value of such subsidiary’s equity multiplied by (b) the long-term tax-exempt rate in effect for the month in which the ownership change occurs.  We believe that our subsidiaries were not subject to any limitation under Section 382 as of December 31, 2020.  However, future issuances of our stock (including, potentially, issuances of stock under this equity offering program) and other sales or exchanges of our stock could trigger an ownership change and, thus, a limitation on our subsidiaries’ ability to utilize NOL carryforwards under Section 382.  Such limitation could result in an increase in our subsidiaries’ U.S. federal income tax liability.

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the shares for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, the repayment or refinancing of indebtedness and the funding of working capital, capital expenditures, investments and additional balance sheet liquidity. We may invest funds not required immediately for such purposes in marketable securities and short-term investments.

At June 10, 2021, we had no borrowings outstanding, $21 million of letters of credit issued, and $1.3 billion of available borrowing capacity under our bank credit agreement, as amended, that governs our a $1.3 billion revolving credit facility (the “Secured Credit Facility”).

MATERIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to Holders (as defined below) of the ownership and disposition of shares. This discussion applies only to Holders who hold shares as “capital assets” for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment purposes), and does not describe all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to Holders in light of their particular circumstances, including alternative minimum tax and Medicare contribution tax consequences, as well as differing tax consequences that may apply if a Holder is, for instance:

This summary is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this registration statement may affect the tax consequences described herein, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary does not address any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. taxation, or any U.S. federal taxes other than U.S. federal income taxes (such as estate and gift taxes). Holders should consult their tax advisors with regard to the application of the U.S. federal tax laws to their particular situation, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.

For purposes of this discussion, you are a “U.S. Holder” if, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you are a beneficial owner of shares that is:

A “Non-U.S. Holder” is any beneficial owner of shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is an individual, corporation, estate, or trust that is not a U.S. Holder.

As used in this discussion, a “Holder” means a U.S. Holder, a Non-U.S. Holder, or both, as the context may require.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds shares, the tax treatment of the partnership and a partner in such partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such partner or partnership should consult its own tax advisor as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of shares.

ALL HOLDERS OF SHARES ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES.

U.S. Holders

Distributions on the Shares

Subject to the discussion under “—PFIC Considerations” below, the gross amount of a distribution paid with respect to the shares, including the full amount of any Swiss withholding tax on such amount, will be a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our current-year and/or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). Distributions in excess of our current-year and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the shares and will reduce (but not below zero) such basis. A distribution in excess of our current-year and accumulated earnings and profits and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the shares will be treated as capital gain realized on the sale or exchange of such shares. However, we may be unable to determine the portion of a distribution that is a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which case we will be required to report the entire amount of such distribution as a dividend. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to distributions received from us. The amount of any distribution of property other than cash will be the fair market value of such property on the date of such distribution.

In general, dividends paid with respect to the shares to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders will be treated as “qualified dividend income,” which is taxable to such a U.S. Holder at preferential capital gain tax rates provided that (i) our shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NYSE) or we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the IRS has determined is satisfactory and that includes an exchange of information program, (ii) as discussed below in “—PFIC Considerations,” we are not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year, and (iii) certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. For purposes of clause (i) above, our shares should be treated as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States so long as they are listed on the NYSE.

U.S. Holders would be subject to special rules relating to foreign currency transactions if we were to make distributions in a currency other than in United States dollars. In that case, U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of such rules.

Foreign Tax Credit

In general, dividends paid with respect to the shares will constitute foreign source income and will be considered passive category income for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable to U.S. Holders. If the dividends are taxed as qualified dividend income (as discussed above), the amount of the dividend taken into account for purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit limitation will generally be limited to the gross amount of the dividend, multiplied by the reduced tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income and divided by the highest tax rate normally applicable to dividends. However, if we are a “United States-owned foreign corporation” (generally, a foreign corporation 50 percent or more of the stock of which, by vote or value, is held directly, indirectly or under applicable constructive ownership rules, by United States persons), at least a portion of the dividends paid with respect to the shares will be U.S. source income for foreign tax credit purposes if and to the extent that more than a de minimis amount of the earnings and profits out of which the dividends are paid is from sources within the United States. We cannot provide any assurances that we will not be characterized as a “United States-owned foreign corporation” as we do not track our ownership of shares by United States persons. We do not expect to maintain calculations with respect to the source of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Swiss tax, if any, withheld on distributions to a U.S. Holder may be eligible for foreign tax credits (or deduction in lieu of such credits) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, subject to special limitations. The calculation of foreign tax credits involves the application of complex rules that depend on a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances and the value of any potential tax credit may be limited if we were characterized as a “United States-owned foreign corporation.” U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of foreign tax credits.

Sale, Exchange, or Other Taxable Disposition of Shares

Subject to the discussion under “—PFIC Considerations” below, in general, the sale, exchange, or other disposition of shares will result in taxable gain or loss to a U.S. Holder equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any other property received by such U.S. Holder in the sale, exchange, or other disposition and (ii) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the shares.

Gain or loss recognized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of shares will generally be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of the sale, exchange, or other disposition. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) generally are subject to tax at preferential U.S. federal income tax rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss recognized will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss for purposes of computing a U.S. Holder’s foreign tax credit for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a result of the U.S. foreign tax credit limitation, foreign taxes, if any, imposed upon capital gains in respect of the shares may not be creditable. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign tax is imposed on a disposition of shares, including the availability of a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of any foreign tax imposed on a sale or other disposition of shares.

PFIC Considerations

The treatment of U.S. Holders could differ materially from that described above if, at any relevant time, we were a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”). For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year in which after applying relevant look-through rules with respect to the income and assets of subsidiaries, either:

For this purpose, we are deemed to own our proportionate share of the assets and to receive directly our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation and any partnership in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% of the value of the equity interests.

We believe that we have not been and, based on the current and anticipated composition of our assets and income and the current expectations regarding the price of the shares, will not be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. We believe that our income from offshore contract drilling services should be treated as “non-passive” services income for purposes of the PFIC rules and therefore that the assets we own and operate in connection with the production of such income should not constitute passive assets. There is significant legal authority supporting this position, including statutory provisions, legislative history, case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization, for other tax purposes, of income derived from services where a substantial component of such income is attributable to the value of the property or equipment used in connection with providing such services. It should be noted, however, that a prior case and an IRS pronouncement which relies on the case characterize income from time chartering of vessels as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. However, the IRS subsequently has formally announced that it does not agree with the decision in that case. Furthermore, we believe that the terms of the time charters in that case differ in material respects from the terms of our drilling contracts with customers.

Although we believe that we have not been and will not become a PFIC, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will accept this position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, because the determination of whether we are a PFIC must be made on an annual basis, we cannot assure U.S. Holders that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or become a PFIC for any future taxable years.

As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to different, generally adverse, taxation rules depending on whether or not the U.S. Holder makes (i) an election to treat us as a qualified electing fund (a “QEF” election) or (ii) a “mark-to-market” election with respect to the shares, as discussed below. If we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will generally be subject to the PFIC rules described herein with respect to any of our subsidiaries that are PFICs. However, the mark-to-market election discussed below will likely not be available with respect to shares of any such PFIC subsidiaries. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns shares during any taxable year in which we are a PFIC, such U.S. Holder must file an annual report with the IRS on IRS Form 8621. A failure to file this report as required may toll the running of the statute of limitations in respect of each of the U.S. Holder’s taxable years for which the report is required to be filed. As a result, the taxable years with respect to which the U.S. Holder fails to file the report may remain open to assessment by the IRS indefinitely, until the report is filed.

Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election

If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election in a taxable year, then for that and for all subsequent taxable years in which such U.S. Holder has held the shares and we are a PFIC, such U.S. Holder must include in income for such U.S. Holder’s taxable year its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end with or within the taxable year for which the U.S. Holder is reporting, regardless of whether the U.S. Holder received any distributions from us in that year. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the shares will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that were previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the shares and will not be taxed again once distributed. A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of shares. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by checking the appropriate box on IRS Form 8621 and filing that form with its U.S. federal income tax return. If, contrary to our expectations, we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we will endeavor (but will not be required) to provide each U.S. Holder with the information necessary to make the QEF election described above.

Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Mark-to-Market Election

If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and the shares were treated as “marketable stock,” then, as an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a mark-to-market election with respect to the shares, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the

relevant instructions and related U.S. Treasury Department regulations. If that election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the U.S. Holder’s shares at the end of the taxable year over the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the shares. The U.S. Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted basis in the shares over the fair market value of the shares at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder’s basis in its shares would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of shares would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of shares would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included in income by the U.S. Holder. Because the mark-to-market election applies only to marketable stock, however, it would generally not apply to a U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any of our subsidiaries that were determined to be PFICs.

Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election

If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF election or a mark-to-market election for that year would be subject to adverse tax rules with respect to (i) any excess distribution (generally, the portion of any distributions received by the U.S. Holder with respect to the shares in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the U.S. Holder with respect to the shares in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the shares) and (ii) any gain realized on the sale, exchange, or other disposition of the shares. Under these special rules:

Unless a U.S. Holder makes a QEF election or mark-to-market election with respect to the shares, a U.S. Holder that holds shares during a period in which we are a PFIC will be subject to the foregoing rules for that taxable year and all subsequent taxable years in which the U.S. Holder holds shares, even if we cease to be a PFIC.

Classification as a PFIC may have other adverse tax consequences, including in the case of individual U.S. Holders, the denial of a step-up in the tax basis of the shares at death.

The PFIC rules are very complex. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of the PFIC rules to their investment in the shares, including the advisability of choosing to make a QEF election or mark-to-market election.

Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements

U.S. backup withholding tax and information reporting requirements generally apply to certain payments made to certain non-corporate holders of shares. Information reporting generally will apply to payments of dividends on and to proceeds from the sale or redemption of shares made within the United States or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman to a holder of shares (other than an "exempt recipient," including a corporation, a payee that is not a U.S. person that provides an appropriate certification, and certain other persons).

A payor will be required to withhold backup withholding tax from any payments of dividends on, or the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, shares within the United States or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman to a U.S. Holder, other than an exempt recipient, if such U.S. Holder fails to furnish its correct taxpayer identification

number or otherwise fails to comply with, or establish an exemption from, such backup withholding tax requirements. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be credited against a U.S. Holder’s regular U.S. federal income tax liability or, if in excess of such liability, refunded by the IRS if a timely refund claim is filed with the IRS.

Information Reporting Regarding Foreign Financial Assets

Individual U.S. Holders that hold certain “foreign financial assets” (which generally includes stock and other securities issued by a foreign person unless held in an account maintained by a financial institution) that exceed certain thresholds are required to report to the IRS information relating to such assets. Under certain circumstances, an entity may be treated as an individual for purposes of these rules. Significant penalties may apply for failure to satisfy these reporting obligations. Individual U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of these reporting obligations on their investment in the shares.

Non-U.S. Holders

Distributions on the Shares

Subject to the discussion under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” below, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on dividends received on its shares, unless the dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if a tax treaty applies, the dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed place of business maintained by such Non-U.S. Holder in the United States).

Except to the extent otherwise provided in an applicable tax treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. Holder on dividends that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States. Effectively connected dividends received by a corporate Non-U.S. Holder may also, in certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate), subject to certain adjustments.

Sale, Exchange, or Other Taxable Disposition of Shares

Subject to the discussion under “—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” below, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain recognized on a sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of shares, unless:

Except to the extent otherwise provided under an applicable tax treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. Holder on recognized gains that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States. Effectively connected gains recognized by a corporate Non-U.S. Holder may also, in certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate), subject to certain adjustments.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Dividends paid with respect to shares and proceeds from a sale or other disposition of shares received in the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the Holder provides proof of an applicable exemption or furnishes its taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies with all applicable requirements under the backup withholding rules.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not an additional tax and may be allowed as a refund or credit against the Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Swiss Taxation

Set out below is a summary of certain Swiss tax matters related to the purchase, holding and disposal of shares. The statements below regarding Swiss taxation are based on the laws in force in Switzerland as of the date of this prospectus supplement, which may be subject to any changes in law occurring after such date. Such changes could possibly be made on a retroactive basis. The summary does not address foreign tax laws.

The summary is of a general nature and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all the Swiss tax considerations that may be relevant for a decision to purchase, own or dispose of shares. Shareholders who wish to clarify their own tax situation should consult with and rely upon their own tax advisers. Shareholders resident in Switzerland or holding their shares as part of a Swiss permanent establishment should consult with their own tax advisers regarding the Swiss income tax treatment of the purchase, holding and disposal of shares.

Swiss Withholding Tax

Under present Swiss tax law, dividends due and similar cash or in-kind distributions made by Transocean Ltd. to a shareholder of shares (including liquidation proceeds and stock dividends) are subject to Swiss federal withholding tax (Verrechnungssteuer) (“Withholding Tax”), currently at a rate of 35% (applicable to the gross amount of the taxable distribution). Transocean Ltd. is obliged to deduct the Withholding Tax from the gross amount of any taxable distribution and to pay the tax to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration within 30 calendar days of the due date of such distribution. However, the repayment of the nominal value of the shares and any (permissible) repayment of qualifying additional paid-in capital (capital contribution reserves (Reserven aus Kapitaleinlagen)) are not subject to the Withholding Tax.

Swiss resident individuals who hold their shares as private assets (“Resident Private Shareholders”) are in principle eligible for a full refund or credit against income tax of the Withholding Tax if they duly report the underlying income in their income tax return. In addition, (i) corporate and individual shareholders who are resident in Switzerland for tax purposes, (ii) corporate and individual shareholders who are not resident in Switzerland, and who, in each case, hold their shares as part of a trade or business carried on in Switzerland through a permanent establishment with fixed place of business situated in Switzerland for tax purposes and (iii) Swiss resident private individuals who, for income tax purposes, are classified as “professional securities dealers” for reasons of, inter alia, frequent dealing, or leveraged investments, in shares and other securities (collectively, “Domestic Commercial Shareholders”) are in principle eligible for a full refund or credit against income tax of the Withholding Tax if they duly report the underlying income in their income statements or income tax return, as the case may be.

Shareholders who are not resident in Switzerland for tax purposes, and who, during the respective taxation year, have not engaged in a trade or business carried on through a permanent establishment with fixed place of business situated in Switzerland for tax purposes, and who are not subject to corporate or individual income taxation in Switzerland for any other reason (collectively, “Non-Resident Shareholders”) may be entitled to a total or partial refund of the Withholding Tax if the country in which such recipient resides for tax purposes maintains a bilateral treaty for the avoidance of double taxation with Switzerland (“Tax Treaty”) and further conditions of such Tax Treaty are met. Non-Resident Shareholders should be aware that the procedures for claiming treaty benefits (and the time required for obtaining a refund) may differ from country to country. Non-Resident Shareholders should consult their own legal, financial or tax advisors regarding receipt, ownership, purchases, sale or other dispositions of shares and the procedures for claiming a refund of the Withholding Tax.

Automatic Exchange of Information

Switzerland has concluded a multilateral agreement with the EU on the international automatic exchange of information (“AEOI”) in tax matters (the “AEOI Agreement”), which became effective as of January 1, 2017. Furthermore, on January 1, 2017, the multilateral competent authority agreement on the automatic exchange of

financial account information and, based on such agreement, a number of bilateral AEOI agreements with other countries became effective. Based on this AEOI Agreement and the bilateral AEOI agreements and the implementing laws of Switzerland, Switzerland collects and exchanges data in respect of financial assets, which may include shares, held in, and income derived thereon and credited to, accounts or deposits with a paying agent in Switzerland for the benefit of residents in a member state or a treaty state.

A list of the AEOI agreements of Switzerland in effect or signed and becoming effective can be found on the website of the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (https://www.sif.admin.ch/sif/en/home/
multilateral/steuer_informationsaust/automatischer-informationsaustausch/automatischer-informationsaustausch1.html.)

Swiss Federal Stamp Taxes

The issuance of the shares and the sale pursuant to and in the course of this offering is subject to Swiss federal securities issuance stamp tax (Emissionsabgabe) of 1% and will be borne by Transocean Ltd.

The subsequent purchase or sale of shares, whether by Resident Private Shareholders, Domestic Commercial Shareholders or Non-Resident Shareholders (secondary market transactions), may be subject to the Swiss federal securities transfer stamp tax (Umsatzabgabe) at a current rate of up to 0.15%, calculated on the purchase price or the sale proceeds, respectively, if (i) such transfer occurs through or with a Swiss or Liechtenstein bank or by or with involvement of another Swiss securities dealer as defined in the Swiss federal stamp tax duty act and (ii) no exemption applies.

Swiss Federal, Cantonal and Communal Individual Income Tax and Corporate Income Tax

Non-Resident Shareholders

Non-Resident Shareholders are not subject to any Swiss federal, cantonal or communal income tax on dividend payments and similar distributions because of the mere holding of the shares. The same applies for capital gains on the sale of shares. For Withholding Tax consequences, see above.

Resident Private Shareholders and Domestic Commercial Shareholders

Resident Private Shareholders who receive dividends and similar cash or in-kind distributions (including liquidation proceeds as well as stock dividends or taxable repurchases of shares as described above), which are not repayments of the nominal value of the shares or qualifying additional paid-in capital, are required to report such receipts in their individual income tax returns and are subject to Swiss federal, cantonal and communal income tax on any net taxable income for the relevant tax period. A gain or a loss by Resident Private Shareholders realized upon the sale or other disposition of shares to a third party will generally be a tax-free private capital gain or a not tax-deductible capital loss, as the case may be. Domestic Commercial Shareholders who receive dividends and similar cash or in-kind distributions (including liquidation proceeds as well as bonus shares) are required to recognize such payments in their income statements for the relevant tax period and are subject to Swiss federal, cantonal and communal individual or corporate income tax, as the case may be, on any net taxable earnings accumulated (including the dividends) for such period. Domestic Commercial Shareholders who are corporate taxpayers may qualify for participation relief on dividend distributions (Beteiligungsabzug), if the shares held have a market value of at least CHF 1 million.

Domestic Commercial Shareholders are required to recognize a gain or loss realized upon the disposal of shares in their income statement for the respective taxation period and are subject to Swiss federal, cantonal and communal individual or corporate income tax, as the case may be, on any net taxable earnings (including the gain or loss realized on the sale or other disposition of shares) for such taxation period.

Swiss Wealth Tax and Capital Tax

Non-Resident Shareholders

Non-Resident Shareholders holding the shares are not subject to cantonal and communal wealth or annual capital tax because of the mere holding of the shares.

Resident Private Shareholders and Domestic Commercial Shareholders

Resident Private Shareholders are required to report their shares as part of their private wealth and are subject to cantonal and communal wealth tax. Domestic Commercial Shareholders are required to report their shares as part of their business wealth or taxable capital, as defined, and are subject to cantonal and communal wealth or annual capital tax.

Swiss Facilitation of the Implementation of the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Switzerland has concluded an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. to facilitate the implementation of FATCA. The agreement ensures that the accounts held by U.S. persons with Swiss financial institutions are disclosed to the U.S. tax authorities either with the consent of the account holder or by means of group requests within the scope of administrative assistance. Information will not be transferred automatically in the absence of consent, and instead will be exchanged only within the scope of administrative assistance on the basis of the double taxation agreement between the U.S. and Switzerland. On October 8, 2014, the Swiss Federal Council approved a mandate for negotiations with the U.S. on changing the current direct notification-based regime to a regime where the relevant information is sent to the Swiss Federal Tax Administration, which in turn provides the information to the U.S. tax authorities.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into an equity distribution agreement with Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”), under which we may offer and sell up to $400,000,000 aggregate offering price of our shares from time to time through Jefferies acting as agent. Sales of our shares, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act.

Each time we wish to issue and sell our shares under the equity distribution agreement, we will notify Jefferies of the number of shares to be issued and sold, the dates on which such sales are anticipated to be made, any limitation on the number of shares to be sold in any one day and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Once we have so instructed Jefferies, unless Jefferies declines to accept the terms of such notice, Jefferies has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares up to the amount specified on such terms. The obligations of Jefferies under the equity distribution agreement to sell our shares are subject to a number of conditions that we must meet. 

The settlement of sales of shares between us and Jefferies is generally anticipated to occur on the second trading day following the date on which the sale was made. Sales of our shares as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and Jefferies may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

We will pay Jefferies a commission of up to 2.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds we receive from each sale of our shares. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. In addition, we have agreed to reimburse Jefferies for the fees and disbursements of its counsel, payable upon execution of the equity distribution agreement, in an amount not to exceed $50,000, in addition to certain ongoing disbursements of its legal counsel. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding any commissions or expense reimbursement payable to Jefferies under the terms of the equity distribution agreement, will be approximately $1 million. The remaining sale proceeds, after deducting any other transaction fees, will equal our net proceeds from the sale of such shares.

Jefferies will provide written confirmation to us before the open on NYSE on the day following each day on which our shares are sold under the equity distribution agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares sold on that day, the aggregate gross proceeds of such sales and the proceeds to us.

In connection with the sale of our shares on our behalf, Jefferies may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of Jefferies will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to indemnify Jefferies against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We have also agreed to contribute to payments Jefferies may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

The offering of our shares pursuant to the equity distribution agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all shares subject to the equity distribution agreement and (ii) the termination of the equity distribution agreement as permitted therein. We and Jefferies may each terminate the equity distribution agreement at any time upon ten days’ prior notice.

This summary of the material provisions of the equity distribution agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the equity distribution agreement is being filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

Jefferies and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees. In the course of its business, Jefferies may actively trade our securities for its own account

or for the accounts of customers, and, accordingly, Jefferies may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.

A prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by Jefferies, and Jefferies may distribute the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus electronically.

Switzerland

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not intended to constitute, and do not constitute, an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in shares. The shares may not be publicly offered, directly or indirectly, in Switzerland within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), except under an exemption from the prospectus requirements under the FinSA. No application has been made or will be made to admit the shares to trading on any trading venue (i.e., exchange or multilateral trading facility) in Switzerland. Neither this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares constitutes a prospectus within the meaning of the FinSA, and neither this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares may be distributed or otherwise made available in Switzerland in a manner which would require the publication of a prospectus pursuant to the FinSA.

Neither this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares has been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus have not been and will not be reviewed or approved by a Swiss reviewing body (Prüfstelle) pursuant to article 51 of the FinSA and do not comply with the disclosure requirements applicable to a prospectus within the meaning of article 35 of the FinSA.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares being sold in any sales made under the equity distribution agreement will be passed upon for us by Homburger AG, Zurich, Switzerland, as to matters of Swiss law, and by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas, as to certain legal matters relating to U.S. law. Certain legal matters in connection with any such sales relating to U.S. law will be passed upon for the sales agent by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. appearing in Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020 (including the schedule appearing therein), and the effectiveness of Transocean Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov where you can access reports, proxy information and registration statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically. The shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “RIG.” We also maintain an Internet website at www.deepwater.com, which provides additional information about us through which you can also access our SEC filings. Except for the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement as described under the heading “Incorporation by Reference,” the information and other content contained on our website are not incorporated by reference, do not constitute part of this prospectus supplement and should not be relied upon in connection with making any investment in our shares.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-[•]) that we filed with the SEC. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits thereto. You may obtain the full registration statement from the SEC or us (as described below). Forms of the documents establishing the terms of the shares are or may be filed as exhibits to the registration statement or documents incorporated by reference in the registration statement. Statements in this prospectus supplement are qualified in all respects by reference to the documents to which they refer. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we have filed with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus supplement, and subsequent information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede that information. We have incorporated by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than information “furnished” and not “filed” with the SEC, unless we specifically provide that such “furnished” information is to be incorporated by reference) until the completion or termination of this offering.

The documents we incorporate by reference are:

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement.

A copy of these filings will be provided upon oral or written request, other than an exhibit to these filings unless we have specifically incorporated that exhibit by reference into the filing, at no cost.  You may request such copies by writing or calling:

Transocean Ltd.
c/o Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
1414 Enclave Parkway
Houston, Texas 77077
Attn: Investor Relations
+1 (713) 232-7500

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PROSPECTUS

Transocean Ltd.

Shares
Warrants
Purchase Contracts
Rights
Units
Guarantees

Transocean Inc.

Debt Securities
Warrants
Purchase Contracts
Rights
Units

Transocean Ltd. or Transocean Inc. will provide the specific terms of the securities in supplements to this prospectus.  The securities may be offered separately or together in any combination or as separate series.  You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you invest.

Transocean Ltd.’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “RIG.”

Transocean Ltd.’s principal executive offices are located at Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland, and its telephone number at that address is +41 (41) 749 0500.  Transocean Inc.’s principal executive offices are located at 36C Dr. Roy’s Drive, Bermuda House, 4th Floor, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1003, and its telephone number at that address is +1 (345) 745 4500.

INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES INVOLVES RISKS. SEE THE “RISK FACTORS” ON PAGE 4 OF THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY SIMILAR SECTION CONTAINED IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THIS PROSPECTUS CONCERNING FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined whether this prospectus is truthful or complete.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is June 14, 2021.

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Table of Contents

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS‌ii

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION‌iii

ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES AGAINST FOREIGN PERSONS‌1

ABOUT TRANSOCEAN LTD.‌2

ABOUT TRANSOCEAN INC.‌2

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION‌3

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE‌3

RISK FACTORS‌4

USE OF PROCEEDS‌5

DESCRIPTION OF TRANSOCEAN INC. DEBT SECURITIES AND TRANSOCEAN LTD. GUARANTEE‌6

DESCRIPTION OF TRANSOCEAN LTD. SHARES‌14

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS‌24

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS‌25

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS‌25

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS‌26

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS‌26

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION‌28

VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES‌31

EXPERTS‌31

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), using a “shelf” registration process. By using a shelf registration statement, either or both of Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. may sell securities from time to time and in one or more offerings.  This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. may offer. Each time Transocean Ltd. or Transocean Inc. uses this prospectus to offer securities, the issuer(s) will provide a prospectus supplement and, if applicable, a free writing prospectus that will describe the specific terms of the offering.  Any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that Transocean Ltd. or Transocean Inc. files in connection with any specific offering by Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, you should rely on the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, as applicable. Before purchasing any securities, you should read this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any applicable free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus is accurate only as of the date on its respective cover page and that any information incorporated by reference into any of the foregoing is accurate only as of the date of such document incorporated by reference. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

In this prospectus, references to “dollars” and “$” are to United States currency, and the terms “United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America, its states, its territories, its possessions and all areas subject to its jurisdiction. References to “CHF” are to Swiss francs.

Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. are not making an offer to sell securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale of such securities is not permitted.

References in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms mean Transocean Ltd. and its subsidiaries unless indicated otherwise.  References to “issuers” mean Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc.

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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The statements included in this prospectus regarding future financial performance and results of operations and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Forward-looking statements in this prospectus are identifiable by use of the following words and other similar expressions:

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Such statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to:

The foregoing risks and uncertainties are beyond our ability to control, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-

looking statements.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties.  You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement.  We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law.

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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES AGAINST FOREIGN PERSONS

Transocean Inc. is a Cayman Islands exempted company, and Transocean Ltd. is a Swiss corporation.  Certain of their respective officers and directors may be residents of various jurisdictions outside the United States.  All or a substantial portion of the assets of Transocean Inc. and Transocean Ltd. and the assets of these persons may be located outside the United States.  As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons or to enforce any U.S. court judgment obtained against Transocean Inc., Transocean Ltd. or these persons, including judgments in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws.  Each of Transocean Inc. and Transocean Ltd. has agreed to be served with process with respect to actions based on offers and sales of its securities.  To bring a claim against either, you may serve Transocean Ltd.’s Corporate Secretary, c/o Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., 1414 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077, the U.S. agent appointed for such purpose.

Carey Olsen, Transocean Inc.’s Cayman Islands legal counsel, has advised Transocean Inc. that it is uncertain that Cayman Islands courts would enforce (1) judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against Transocean Inc. or other persons that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws or (2) original actions brought against Transocean Inc. or other persons predicated upon the Securities Act.  There is no treaty between the United States and the Cayman Islands providing for enforcement of judgments, and there are grounds upon which Cayman Islands courts may not enforce judgments of U.S. courts.  In general, Cayman Islands courts would not enforce any remedies if they are deemed to be penalties, fines, taxes or similar remedies.

Homburger AG, Transocean Ltd.’s Swiss legal counsel, has advised Transocean Ltd. that it is uncertain that Swiss courts would enforce (1) judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against Transocean Ltd. or other persons that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws or (2) original actions brought against Transocean Ltd. or other persons predicated upon the Securities Act.  The enforceability in Switzerland of a foreign judgment rendered against Transocean Ltd. or such other persons is subject to the limitations set forth in such international treaties by which Switzerland is bound and the Swiss Federal Private International Law Act.  In particular, and without limitation to the foregoing, a judgment rendered by a foreign court may only be enforced in Switzerland if:

In addition, enforceability of a judgment by a non-Swiss court in Switzerland may be limited if Transocean Ltd. can demonstrate that it or such other persons were not effectively served with process.

ABOUT TRANSOCEAN LTD.

Transocean Ltd., through its subsidiaries and predecessors, is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells.  As of June 10, 2021, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated 37 mobile offshore drilling units, including 27 ultra-deepwater floaters and 10 harsh environment floaters. As of June 10, 2021, we were constructing two ultra-deepwater drillships.

We provide contract drilling services, in a single, global operating segment, which involves contracting our mobile offshore drilling fleet, related equipment and work crews primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells.  We specialize in technically demanding regions of the offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services.  Our drilling fleet is one of the most versatile fleets in the world, consisting of drillships and semisubmersible floaters used in support of offshore drilling activities and offshore support services on a worldwide basis.

Our contract drilling services operations are geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration and development areas throughout the world.  Although rigs can be moved from one region to another, the cost of moving rigs and the availability of rig-moving vessels may cause the supply and demand balance to fluctuate somewhat between regions.  Still, significant variations between regions do not tend to persist long term because of rig mobility.  Our fleet operates in a single, global market for the provision of contract drilling services.  The location of our rigs and the allocation of resources to operate, build or upgrade our rigs are determined by the activities and needs of our customers.

Transocean Ltd. is a Swiss corporation with its registered office in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug and with principal executive offices located at Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland.  Transocean Ltd.’s telephone number at that address is +41 (41) 749 0500.  Shares of Transocean Ltd.’s common stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “RIG.”

ABOUT TRANSOCEAN INC.

Transocean Inc. is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. Transocean Inc. is the issuer of certain notes and debentures that have been guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. Transocean Inc.’s principal executive offices are located at 36C Dr. Roy’s Drive, Bermuda House, 4th Floor, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1003, and its telephone number at that address is +1 (345) 745 4500.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Transocean Ltd. files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov where you can access reports, proxy information and registration statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically. The shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “RIG.” We also maintain an Internet website at www.deepwater.com, which provides additional information about us through which you can also access Transocean Ltd.’s SEC filings. Except for the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus as described under the heading “Incorporation by Reference,” the information and other content contained on our website are not incorporated by reference, do not constitute part of this prospectus and should not be relied upon in connection with making any investment in our shares.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that the issuers have filed with the SEC. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits thereto. You may obtain the full registration statement from the SEC or us (as described below). Forms of the documents establishing the terms of the offered securities are or may be filed as exhibits to the registration statement or documents incorporated by reference in the registration statement. Statements in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement are qualified in all respects by reference to the documents to which they refer. You should refer to the actual documents for a more complete description of the relevant matters.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows the issuers to “incorporate by reference” the information Transocean Ltd. has filed with it, which means that the issuers can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents filed separately with the SEC.  The information the issuers incorporate by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, and subsequent information that Transocean Ltd. files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.  The issuers incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings Transocean Ltd. makes with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than information “furnished” and not “filed” with the SEC, unless the issuers specifically provide that such “furnished” information is to be incorporated by reference) after the date of this prospectus and until the offering is terminated.  The documents the issuers incorporate by reference are:

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that also is incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

A copy of these filings will be provided upon oral or written request, other than an exhibit to these filings unless the issuers have specifically incorporated that exhibit by reference into the filing, at no cost.  You may request such copies by writing or calling:

Transocean Ltd.
c/o Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
1414 Enclave Parkway
​

Houston, Texas 77077
Attn: Investor Relations
+1 (713) 232-7500

RISK FACTORS

An investment in the issuers’ securities involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the risks related to the issuers’ securities described in the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. The business, financial condition or results of operations of Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc.’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors. See “Forward-Looking Information” and “Where You Can Find More Information”.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used for general corporate purposes, including:

Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of other short-term indebtedness.

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DESCRIPTION OF TRANSOCEAN INC. DEBT SECURITIES AND TRANSOCEAN LTD. GUARANTEE

The debt securities covered by this prospectus will be the general unsecured obligations of Transocean Inc. Transocean Inc. may issue two types of debt securities, senior or subordinated.  The exact terms of the debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement.  The senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture dated December 11, 2007, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, as supplemented.  In this prospectus, we refer to such indenture as the senior indenture.  The senior debt securities will be guaranteed by Transocean Ltd., and may also be guaranteed by one or more subsidiaries of Transocean Ltd.  The subordinated debt securities will be issued under an indenture that is substantially in the form of the Form of Indenture included as Exhibit 4.3 to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, which will be entered into with a trustee and will be described more fully in the prospectus supplement for those debt securities.  In this prospectus, we refer to any such indenture as the subordinated indenture.  The subordinated debt securities may be guaranteed by Transocean Ltd., and may also be guaranteed by one or more subsidiaries of Transocean Ltd.  We refer to the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture collectively as the indentures.  The indentures are substantially identical, except for provisions relating to subordination.  The senior debt securities will constitute senior debt and will rank equally with all of Transocean Inc.’s unsecured and unsubordinated debt.  The subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to, and thus have a junior position to, Transocean Inc.’s senior debt (as defined with respect to the series of subordinated debt securities) and may rank equally with or senior or junior to Transocean Inc.’s other subordinated debt that may be outstanding from time to time.

We have summarized material provisions of the indentures and the debt securities below.  We have filed the senior indenture and the form of subordinated indenture with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement, and you should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you.  Please read “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Provisions Applicable to Each Indenture

General.  The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued under that indenture, and do not limit the amount of other unsecured debt or securities that Transocean Inc. may issue.  Transocean Inc. may issue debt securities under the indentures from time to time in one or more series, each in an amount authorized prior to issuance.  The indentures also give Transocean Inc. the ability to reopen a previous issue of a series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series.

Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to protect holders of the debt securities in the event Transocean Inc. participates in a highly leveraged transaction or upon a change of control.  The indentures also do not contain provisions that give holders the right to require Transocean Inc. to repurchase their securities in the event of a decline in its credit ratings for any reason, including as a result of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring or otherwise.

Transocean Ltd. Guarantee.  Transocean Ltd. has irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of Transocean Inc. under the senior indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder and may irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee the obligations of Transocean Inc. under the subordinated indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder.  Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, Transocean Ltd.’s guarantee of the Transocean Inc. senior debt securities will be an unsecured obligation of Transocean Ltd. and will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated debt.  Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, Transocean Ltd.’s guarantee of the Transocean Inc. subordinated debt securities will be an unsecured obligation of Transocean Ltd., subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Transocean Ltd. senior debt.

Terms.  The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering.  These terms will include some or all of the following:

Transocean Inc. may sell the debt securities at a discount, which may be substantial, below their stated principal amount.  These debt securities may bear no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates.  If Transocean Inc. sells these debt securities, it will describe in the prospectus supplement any material U.S. federal income tax consequences and other special considerations relating to those debt securities.

If Transocean Inc. sells any of the debt securities for any foreign currency or currency unit or if payments on the debt securities are payable in any foreign currency or currency unit, it will describe in the prospectus supplement the restrictions, elections, tax consequences, specific terms and other information relating to those debt securities and the foreign currency or currency unit.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.  The indentures generally permit a consolidation, merger or scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation between Transocean Inc. and another entity.  They also permit

Transocean Inc. to sell, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets.  Transocean Inc. has agreed, however, that it will not consolidate with, merge into or complete a scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation with any entity or sell, lease, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to any entity unless:

Upon any such consolidation, merger or scheme of arrangement qualifying as an amalgamation in which Transocean Inc. is not the continuing entity or any such asset sale, lease, conveyance, transfer or disposition involving Transocean Inc., the resulting successor entity or transferee will be substituted for Transocean Inc. under the applicable indenture and debt securities and Transocean Inc. will be released from the applicable indenture.

Events of Default.  Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following are events of default with respect to a series of debt securities:

A default under one series of debt securities will not necessarily be a default under another series.  The indentures provide that the trustee generally must mail notice of a default or event of default of which it has actual knowledge to the registered holders of the applicable debt securities within 90 days of occurrence.  However, the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any default or event of default (except in any payment on the debt securities) if the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders of the debt securities to do so.

If an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal of and interest on all the debt securities issued under the applicable indenture will become immediately due and payable without any action on the part of the trustee or any holder.  If any other event of default for any series of debt securities occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the default (or, in some cases if Transocean Inc. fails to comply with the terms of the indenture, 25% in principal amount of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may declare the principal of and all accrued and unpaid interest on those debt securities immediately due and payable.  The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the event of default (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may in some cases rescind this accelerated payment requirement.

A holder of a debt security of any series issued under an indenture may pursue any remedy under that indenture only if:

This provision does not, however, affect the right of a holder of a debt security to sue for enforcement of any overdue payment.

In most cases, holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series (or of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may direct the time, method and place of:

The trustee, however, may refuse to follow any such direction that conflicts with law or the indentures, is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other holders of the debt securities, or would expose the trustee to personal liability.  In addition, prior to acting at the direction of holders, the trustee will be entitled to be indemnified by those holders against any loss and expenses caused thereby.

The indentures require Transocean Inc. to file each year with the trustee a written statement as to its compliance with the covenants contained in the applicable indenture.

Modification and Waiver.  Each indenture may be amended or supplemented if the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series issued under that indenture that are affected by the amendment or supplement (acting as one class) consent to it.  Without the consent of the holder of each debt security issued under the indenture and affected, however, no modification to that indenture may:

Each indenture may be amended or supplemented or any provision of that indenture may be waived without the consent of any holders of debt securities issued under that indenture in certain circumstances, including:

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or, in some cases, of all debt securities issued under the applicable indenture that are affected, voting as one class) may waive any existing or past default or event of default with respect to those debt securities.  Those holders may not, however, waive any default or event of default in any payment on any debt security or compliance with a provision that cannot be amended or supplemented without the consent of each holder affected.

Defeasance.  When Transocean Inc. uses the term defeasance, it means discharge from some or all of its obligations under an indenture.  Transocean Inc. will inform you in the applicable prospectus supplement if defeasance provisions apply to a series of debt securities.  For such debt securities, if any combination of funds or government securities are deposited with the trustee under an indenture sufficient to make payments on the debt securities of a

series issued under that indenture on the dates those payments are due and payable, then, at Transocean Inc.’s option, either of the following will occur:

If a series of debt securities is defeased, the holders of the debt securities of the series affected will not be entitled to the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities or maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.  In the case of covenant defeasance, Transocean Inc.’s obligation to pay principal, premium and interest on the debt securities will also survive.

Unless it informs you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, Transocean Inc. will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the beneficial owners of the debt securities to recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  If Transocean Inc. elects legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.

Governing Law.  New York law will govern the indentures and the debt securities.

Trustee.  If an event of default occurs under an indenture and is continuing, the trustee under that indenture will be required to use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of that person’s own affairs.  The trustee will become obligated to exercise any of its powers under that indenture at the request of any of the holders of any debt securities issued under that indenture only after those holders have offered the trustee indemnity satisfactory to it.

Each indenture contains limitations on the right of the trustee, if it becomes Transocean Inc.’s creditor, to obtain payment of claims or to realize on certain property received for any such claim, as security or otherwise.  The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions with Transocean Inc.  If, however, it acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate that conflict or resign within 90 days after ascertaining that it has a conflicting interest and after the occurrence of a default under the applicable indenture, unless the default has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated within the 90-day period.

Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer.  The debt securities will be issued in registered form, without interest coupons.  There will be no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities.  However, payment of any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable for that registration may be required.

Debt securities of any series will be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series, the same total principal amount and the same terms but in different authorized denominations in accordance with the applicable indenture.  Holders may present debt securities for registration of transfer at the office of the security registrar or any transfer agent Transocean Inc. designates.  The security registrar or transfer agent will effect the transfer or exchange if its requirements and the requirements of the applicable indenture are met.

The trustee will be appointed as security registrar for the debt securities.  If a prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agents Transocean Inc. initially designates, Transocean Inc. may at any time rescind that designation or approve a change in the location through which any transfer agent acts.  Transocean Inc. is required to maintain an office or agency for transfers and exchanges in each place of payment.  Transocean Inc. may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

In the case of any redemption, Transocean Inc. will not be required to register the transfer or exchange of:

Payment and Paying Agent.  Unless Transocean Inc. informs you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, payments on the debt securities will be made in U.S. dollars at the office of the trustee and any paying agent.  At the option of Transocean Inc., however, payments may be made by wire transfer for global debt securities or by check mailed to the address of the person entitled to the payment as it appears in the security register.  Unless Transocean Inc. informs you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, interest payments will be made to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the record date for the interest payment.

Unless Transocean Inc. informs you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the trustee under the applicable indenture will be designated as the paying agent for payments on debt securities issued under that indenture.  Transocean Inc. may at any time designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.

If the principal of or any premium or interest on debt securities of a series is payable on a day that is not a business day, the payment will be made on the next succeeding business day as if made on the date that the payment was due and no interest will accrue on that payment for the period from and after the due date to the date of that payment on the next succeeding business date.  For these purposes, unless Transocean Inc. informs you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, a “business day” is any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in any of New York, New York or Houston, Texas or a place of payment on the debt securities of that series is authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

Subject to the requirements of any applicable abandoned property laws, the trustee and paying agent will pay to Transocean Inc. upon written request any money held by them for payments on the debt securities that remains unclaimed for two years after the date upon which that payment has become due.  After payment to Transocean Inc., holders entitled to the money must look to Transocean Inc. for payment.  In that case, all liability of the trustee or paying agent with respect to that money will cease.

Notices.  Any notice required by the indentures to be provided to holders of the debt securities will be given by mail to the registered holders at the addresses as they appear in the security register.

Replacement of Debt Securities.  Transocean Inc. will replace any debt securities that become mutilated, destroyed, stolen or lost at the expense of the holder upon delivery to the trustee of the mutilated debt securities or evidence of the loss, theft or destruction satisfactory to Transocean Inc. and the trustee.  In the case of a lost, stolen or destroyed debt security, indemnity satisfactory to the trustee and Transocean Inc. may be required at the expense of the holder of the debt securities before a replacement debt security will be issued.

Book-Entry Debt Securities.  The debt securities of a series may be issued in the form of one or more global debt securities that would be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the prospectus supplement.  Global debt securities may be issued in either temporary or permanent form.  Transocean Inc. will describe in the prospectus supplement the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global debt security.

Provisions Applicable Solely to Subordinated Debt Securities

Subordination.  Under the subordinated indenture, payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities will generally be subordinated and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt, as described below.  Unless Transocean Inc. informs you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, Transocean Inc. may not make any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on the subordinated debt securities if Transocean Inc. fails to pay the principal, interest, premium or any other amounts on any Senior Debt

when due.  Upon distribution of the assets of Transocean Inc. or any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the holders of all Senior Debt will be entitled to payments in full before the holders of subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive any payment of principal or interest.

The subordination does not affect Transocean Inc.’s obligation, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay, when due, the principal of and any premium and interest on the subordinated debt securities.  In addition, the subordination does not prevent the occurrence of any default under the subordinated indenture.

The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of Senior Debt that Transocean Inc. may incur.  As a result of the subordination of the subordinated debt securities, if Transocean Inc. becomes insolvent, holders of subordinated debt securities may receive less on a proportionate basis than other creditors.

Unless Transocean Inc. informs you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, “Senior Debt” will mean all debt, including guarantees, of Transocean Inc., unless the debt states that it is not senior to the subordinated debt securities or Transocean Inc.’s other junior debt.  Senior Debt with respect to a series of subordinated debt securities could include other series of debt securities issued under a subordinated indenture.

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DESCRIPTION OF TRANSOCEAN LTD. SHARES

The following description of the share capital of Transocean Ltd. is a summary.  This summary is subject to the complete text of our articles of association, which are incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.  We encourage you to read the articles of association carefully.  In this section, references to “we,” “our,” and “us” mean Transocean Ltd.

General

Issued Share Capital.  As of June 10, 2021, the share capital of Transocean Ltd. registered shares in the commercial register, which reflects Transocean Ltd.’s total issued share capital was CHF 68,567,616.50, divided into 685,676,165 registered shares, par value 0.10 Swiss francs per share. The issued shares are fully paid, non-assessable, and rank pari passu with each other and all other shares.

General Authorized Share Capital.  Our board of directors is authorized to issue new shares at any time until May 27, 2023 and thereby increase the stated share capital by a maximum amount of 20,570,285.00 Swiss francs by issuing a maximum of 205,702,850 shares.  Our general authorized share capital expires on May 27, 2023.

Our board of directors determines the time of the issuance, the issuance price, the manner in which the new shares have to be paid in, the date from which the new shares carry the right to dividends and, subject to the provisions of our articles of association, the conditions for the exercise of the preemptive rights with respect to the issuance and the allotment of preemptive rights that are not exercised.  The board of directors may allow preemptive rights that are not exercised to expire, or it may place such rights or shares, the preemptive rights in respect of which have not been exercised, at market conditions or use them otherwise in our interest.  A withdrawal of preemptive rights with respect to shares issued out of our authorized share capital is limited to 68,567,616 shares. For further information on preemptive rights with respect to our authorized share capital, see “—Preemptive Rights and Advance Subscription Rights” below.

An increase of the share capital (i) by means of an offering underwritten by a financial institution, a syndicate of financial institutions or another third party or third parties, followed by an offer to the then-existing shareholders of Transocean Ltd., and (ii) in partial amounts shall be permissible.

The shares will be subject to the limitations for registration in the share register pursuant to Articles 7 and 9 of our articles of association.

Conditional Share Capital. Article 6 of our articles of association provide for a conditional share capital that allows the issuance by us of up to 142,363,647 shares and thus an increase of the stated share capital by a maximum amount of 14,236,364.70 Swiss francs.  These shares may be issued through:

For information on preemptive rights with respect to our conditional share capital, see “—Preemptive Rights and Advance Subscription Rights” below.

Other Classes or Series of Shares / Non-voting stock.  The board of directors may not create shares with increased voting powers (Stimmrechtsaktien) without the affirmative resolution adopted by shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting rights and an absolute majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented (in person or by proxy) at a general meeting of the shareholders.  The board of directors may create preferred stock (Vorzugsaktien) with the vote of a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of our shareholders (not counting

broker non-votes, abstentions and blank or invalid ballots). We have not issued any non-voting stock to date (Partizipationsscheine, Genussscheine).

Preemptive Rights and Advance Subscription Rights

Under the Swiss Code of Obligations (the “Swiss Code”), the prior approval of a general meeting of shareholders is generally required to authorize, for later issuance, the issuance of shares, or rights to subscribe for, or convert into, shares (which rights may be connected to debt instruments or other obligations).  In addition, the existing shareholders will have preemptive rights in relation to such shares or rights in proportion to the respective par values of their holdings (Bezugsrechte).  The shareholders may, with the affirmative vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting rights and a majority of the par value of the shares represented at the general meeting, withdraw or limit the preemptive rights for valid reasons (such as a merger, an acquisition or any of the reasons authorizing the board of directors to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of shareholders in the context of an authorized capital increase as described below).

If the general meeting of shareholders has approved the creation of authorized or conditional capital, it may delegate the decision whether to withdraw or limit the preemptive and advance subscription rights for valid reasons to the board of directors. However, the valid reasons justifying the exclusion of the preemptive right must be stated in the articles of association. Our articles of association provide for this delegation and state the valid reasons with respect to our authorized and conditional share capital in the circumstances described below under “—Authorized Share Capital” and “—Conditional Share Capital.”

General Authorized Share Capital.  At any time until May 27, 2023 and pursuant to Article 5 of the articles of association, the board of directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of the shareholders with respect to a maximum of 68,567,616 shares and to allot them to individual shareholders or third parties with respect to the issuance of shares from authorized capital if:

Conditional Share Capital.  In connection with the issuance of bonds, notes, warrants or other financial instruments or contractual obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our shares, the preemptive rights of shareholders are excluded and the board of directors is authorized to withdraw or limit the advance subscription rights (Vorwegzeichnungsrecht) of shareholders in connection with the issuance of bonds, notes, warrants or other securities or contractual obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our shares if the issuance is for purposes of financing or refinancing the acquisition of an enterprise or business, parts of an enterprise, participations or investments, or if the issuance occurs in national or international capital markets or through a private placement.

The preemptive rights and the advance subscription rights of shareholders are excluded with respect to shares, bonds, notes, warrants or other securities or contractual obligations issued from our conditional share capital to directors, members of executive management, employees, contractors, consultants or other persons providing services to us or any of our subsidiaries.

Dividends and Other Distributions

Under the Swiss Code, dividends may be paid out only if we have sufficient distributable profits from the previous fiscal year, or if we have freely distributable reserves (including contribution reserves, which are also referred to as additional paid-in capital), each as will be presented on our audited annual standalone statutory balance sheet.  The affirmative vote of shareholders holding a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of shareholders (not counting abstentions and blank or invalid ballots) must approve the distribution of dividends.  The board of directors may propose to shareholders that a dividend or other distribution be paid but cannot itself authorize the distribution.

Payments out of our share capital (in other words, the aggregate par value of our registered share capital) in the form of dividends are not allowed; however, payments out of registered share capital may be made by way of a par value reduction.  Such a par value reduction requires the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the votes cast at the general meeting of shareholders (not counting abstentions and blank or invalid ballots).  A special audit report must confirm that claims of our creditors remain fully covered despite the reduction in the share capital recorded in the commercial register.  A licensed audit expert must prepare the audit report and be present at the general meeting of shareholders that adopts the resolution.  Upon approval by the general meeting of shareholders of the capital reduction, the board of directors must give public notice of the par value reduction resolution in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce three times and notify creditors that they may request, within two months of the third publication, satisfaction of or security for their claims.

Under the Swiss Code, if our general reserves amount to less than 20% of our share capital recorded in the commercial register (i.e., 20% of the aggregate par value of our registered capital), then at least 5% of our annual profit must be retained as general reserves.  The Swiss Code and our articles of association permit us to accrue additional general reserves.  In addition, if we acquire our own shares, we would be required to account for these shares, if acquired by our parent company Transocean Ltd., as a negative item in our shareholders' equity or, if these shares are acquired by one of our subsidiaries, to create a special reserve, in each case on our audited annual standalone statutory balance sheet in the amount of the purchase price of the shares repurchased by our parent or our subsidiary.  The negative item in our shareholders' equity or the reserve amount would effectively reduce our capacity to declare dividends or effect subsequent repurchases of our shares.

Swiss companies generally must maintain a separate company, stand-alone “statutory” balance sheet for the purpose of, among other things, determining the amounts available for the return of capital to shareholders, including by way of a distribution of dividends.  Our auditor must confirm that a proposal made by the board of directors to shareholders regarding the appropriation of our available earnings or the distribution of freely distributable reserves conforms to the requirements of the Swiss Code and our articles of association.  Dividends are usually due and payable shortly after the shareholders have passed a resolution approving the payment, but shareholders may also resolve at the annual general meeting of shareholders to pay dividends in quarterly or other installments.  Our articles of association provide that dividends that have not been claimed within five years after the payment date become our property and are allocated to the general reserves.  Dividends paid out of distributable profits or distributable general reserves are subject to Swiss withholding tax, all or part of which can potentially be reclaimed under the relevant tax rules in Switzerland or double taxation treaties concluded between Switzerland and foreign countries.  Distributions to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction and distributions out of qualifying additional paid-in capital are not subject to the Swiss federal withholding tax.

Dividends, if declared by us, are expected to be declared, subject to applicable limitations under Swiss law, in U.S. dollars, or in Swiss francs, and shareholders may be given the right to elect to be paid any such dividends in U.S. dollars or Swiss francs.  Distribution through a reduction in the par value of the shares must be declared in Swiss francs; however, shareholders may be provided with the option to elect to be paid in U.S. dollars or Swiss francs.

Repurchases of Shares

The Swiss Code limits our ability to hold or repurchase our own shares.  We and our subsidiaries may only repurchase shares if and to the extent that sufficient freely distributable equity capital is available, as described above under “—Dividends and Other Distributions.”  The aggregate par value of all of our shares held by us and our subsidiaries may not exceed 10% of the registered share capital.  However, we may repurchase our own shares beyond the statutory limit of 10% if the shareholders have passed a resolution at a general meeting of shareholders authorizing the board of directors to repurchase shares in an amount in excess of 10% and the repurchased shares are dedicated for cancellation.  Any shares repurchased pursuant to such an authorization will then be cancelled at a general meeting of shareholders upon the approval of shareholders holding a majority of the votes cast at the general meeting.  Repurchased shares held by us or our subsidiaries do not carry any rights to vote at a general meeting of shareholders but are, unless otherwise resolved by our shareholders at a general meeting, entitled to the economic benefits generally associated with the shares.

General Meetings of Shareholders

The general meeting of shareholders is our supreme corporate body.  Ordinary and extraordinary shareholders meetings may be held.  Among other things, the following powers will be vested exclusively in the shareholders meeting:

Notice and Proxy Statements

Under the Swiss Code and our articles of association, we must hold an annual, ordinary general meeting of shareholders within six months after the end of our fiscal year for the purpose, among other things, of approving the annual financial statements and the annual management report, the annual election of our chairman of the board of directors, the members of the board of directors, the members of the compensation committee of our board of directors,

our auditor and our independent proxy, and the ratification of the maximum aggregate amount of compensation of the board of directors and the executive management team.  The invitation to general meetings must be published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce at least 20 calendar days prior to the date of the relevant general meeting of shareholders.  The notice of a meeting must state the items on the agenda and the proposals of the board of directors and of the shareholders who requested that a shareholders meeting be held or that an item be included on the agenda and, in case of elections, the names of the nominated candidates.  No resolutions may be passed at a shareholders meeting concerning agenda items for which proper notice was not given.  This does not apply, however, to proposals made during a shareholders meeting to convene an extraordinary shareholders meeting or to initiate a special investigation.  No previous notification will be required for proposals concerning items included on the agenda or for debates as to which no vote is taken.

Annual general meetings of shareholders are convened by the board of directors or, under certain circumstances required by law, by the auditor.  A general meeting of shareholders can be held anywhere.

We expect to set the record date for each general meeting of shareholders on a date not more than 20 calendar days prior to the date of each general meeting and announce the date of the general meeting of shareholders prior to the record date.

Extraordinary General Meetings of Shareholders

An extraordinary general meeting may be called upon the resolution of the board of directors or, under certain circumstances required by law, by the auditor.  In addition, the board of directors is required to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders if so resolved by the general meeting of shareholders, or if so requested by shareholders holding an aggregate of at least 10% of the share capital recorded in the commercial register or according to the views expressed in legal writing, which is a persuasive authority in Switzerland, holding shares with an aggregate par value of CHF 1 million, specifying the items for the agenda and their proposals, or if it appears from the annual stand-alone statutory balance sheet that half of our share capital recorded in the commercial register and legal reserves are not covered by our assets (Kapitalverlust).  In the latter case, the board of directors must immediately convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders and propose financial restructuring measures.

Agenda Requests

Under our articles of association, any shareholder may request that an item be included on the agenda of a general meeting of shareholders.  Such shareholder may also nominate one or more directors for election.  A request for inclusion of an item on the agenda or a nominee must be made in writing at least 30 calendar days prior to the anniversary date of the proxy statement in connection with our last general meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that if the date of the general meeting of shareholders is more than 30 calendar days before or after the anniversary date of the last annual general meeting of shareholders, such request must instead be made by the tenth calendar day following the date on which we have made public disclosure of the date of the general meeting of shareholders.  The request must specify in writing the relevant agenda items and motions, together with evidence of the required shares recorded in the share register, as well as any other information as would be required to be included in a proxy statement pursuant to the rules of the SEC.

Under the Swiss Code, a general meeting of shareholders for which a notice of meeting has been duly published may not be adjourned without publishing a new notice of meeting.

Our annual report, our compensation report pursuant to Swiss law and the auditor’s reports must be made available for inspection by the shareholders at our registered office in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug, Switzerland, no later than 20 calendar days prior to the annual general meeting of shareholders.  Each shareholder is entitled to request immediate delivery of a copy of these documents free of charge.  Shareholders of record will be notified of this in writing.

Voting

Each of our shares carries one vote at a general meeting of shareholders.  Voting rights may be exercised by shareholders registered in our share register or by a duly appointed proxy of a registered shareholder (including the independent proxy), which proxy need not be a shareholder.  Our articles of association do not limit the number of

shares that may be voted by a single shareholder.  Shareholders wishing to exercise their voting rights who hold their shares through a bank, broker or other nominee should follow the instructions provided by such bank, broker or other nominee or, absent instructions, contact such bank, broker or other nominee for instructions.  Shareholders holding their shares through a bank, broker or other nominee will not automatically be registered in our share register.  If any such shareholder wishes to be registered in our share register, such shareholder should contact the bank, broker or other nominee through which it holds our shares.

Treasury shares, whether owned by us or one of our majority-owned subsidiaries, will not be entitled to vote at general meetings of shareholders.

Our articles of association do not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors.

Pursuant to our articles of association, the shareholders generally pass resolutions by the affirmative vote of a relative majority of the votes cast at the general meeting of shareholders (broker nonvotes, abstentions and blank and invalid ballots will be disregarded), unless otherwise provided by law or our articles of association.  However, our articles of association provide that directors may be elected at a general meeting of shareholders by a plurality of the votes cast by the shareholders present in person or by proxy at the meeting.  Our Corporate Governance Guidelines have a majority vote policy that provides that the board may nominate only those candidates for director who have submitted an irrevocable letter of resignation which would be effective upon and only in the event that (1) such nominee fails to receive a sufficient number of votes from shareholders in an uncontested election and (2) the board accepts the resignation following such failure.  If a nominee who has submitted such a letter of resignation does not receive more votes cast “for” than “against” the nominee’s election, the corporate governance committee must promptly review the letter of resignation and recommend to the board whether to accept the tendered resignation or reject it.  The board must then act on the corporate governance committee’s recommendation within 90 days following the shareholder vote.  The board must promptly disclose its decision regarding whether or not to accept the nominee’s resignation letter.

The acting chair may direct that resolutions and elections be held by use of an electronic voting system.  Electronic resolutions and elections are considered equal to resolutions and elections taken by way of a written ballot. Pursuant to legislation temporarily enacted by the Swiss Federal Council in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, currently in effect until December 31, 2021 (subject to further extensions), we may, regardless of the number of shareholders attending the general meeting of shareholders and without complying with the 20-calendar day period for convening general meetings, restrict the personal attendance of shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders and request shareholders to exercise their voting rights exclusively (i) in writing or electronically or (ii) through our independent proxy. We must give notice to our shareholders of any such restriction no later than four calendar days before the date of the general meeting of shareholders.

The Swiss Code and/or our articles of association require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting rights and an absolute majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented at a general meeting to approve, among other things, the following matters:

The same supermajority voting requirements apply to resolutions in relation to transactions among corporations based on Switzerland’s Federal Act on Mergers, Demergers, Transformations and the Transfer of Assets and Liabilities (the “Merger Act”), including a merger, demerger or conversion of a corporation (other than a cash-out or certain squeeze-out mergers, in which minority shareholders of the company being acquired may be compensated in a form other than through shares of the acquiring company, for instance, through cash or securities of a parent company of the acquiring company or of another company—in such a merger, an affirmative vote of 90% of the outstanding shares is required).  Swiss law may also impose this supermajority voting requirement in connection with the sale of “all or substantially all of our assets” by us.  See “—Compulsory Acquisitions; Appraisal Rights” below.

Our articles of association require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at a general meeting to approve the following matters:

Our articles of association require the affirmative vote of holders of the number of our shares at least equal to the sum of (A) two-thirds of the number of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote at a general meeting, plus (B) a number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the general meeting that is equal to one-third of the number of shares held by an interested shareholder, for us to engage in any business combination with an interested shareholder (as those terms are defined in our articles of association) and for the amendment of the provisions in our articles of association relating to this shareholder approval requirement.

Quorum for General Meetings

The presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the time when the general meeting proceeds to business is generally the required presence for a quorum for the transaction of business at a general meeting of shareholders.  However, the presence of shareholders, in person or by proxy, holding at least two-thirds of the share capital recorded in the commercial register at the time when the general meeting proceeds to business is the required presence for a quorum to adopt a resolution to amend, vary, suspend the operation of or cause any of the following provisions of our articles of association to cease to apply:

Additionally, shareholders present, in person or by proxy, holding at least two-thirds of the share capital recorded in the commercial register at the time when the general meeting proceeds to business constitute the required presence for a quorum at a general meeting to adopt a resolution to remove a serving director.

Under the Swiss Code, the board of directors has no authority to waive quorum requirements stipulated in the articles of association.

Inspection of Books and Records

Under the Swiss Code, a shareholder has a right to inspect the share register with regard to his, her or its own shares and otherwise to the extent necessary to exercise his, her or its shareholder rights.  No other person has a right to inspect the share register.  The books and correspondence of a Swiss company may be inspected with the express authorization of the general meeting of shareholders or by resolution of the board of directors and subject to the safeguarding of the company’s business secrets.  At a general meeting of shareholders, any shareholder is entitled to request information from the board of directors concerning the affairs of the company.  Shareholders may also ask the auditor questions regarding its audit of the company.  The board of directors and the auditor must answer shareholders’ questions to the extent necessary for the exercise of shareholders’ rights and subject to prevailing business secrets or other of our material interests.

Special Investigation

If the shareholders’ inspection and information rights as outlined above prove to be insufficient, any shareholder may propose to the general meeting of shareholders that a special commissioner investigate specific facts in a special investigation.  If the general meeting of shareholders approves the proposal, we or any shareholder may, within 30 calendar days after the general meeting of shareholders, request the court at our registered office to appoint a special commissioner.  If the general meeting of shareholders rejects the request, one or more shareholders representing at least 10% of the share capital or holders of shares in an aggregate par value of at least 2 million Swiss francs may request, within three months after the general meeting, the court to appoint a special commissioner.  The court will issue such an order if the petitioners can demonstrate prima facie that the board of directors, any member of our board of directors or one of our officers infringed the law or our articles of association and thereby damaged the company or the shareholders.  The costs of the investigation would generally be allocated to us and only in exceptional cases to the petitioners.

Compulsory Acquisitions; Appraisal Rights

Swiss companies that undertake business combinations and other transactions that are binding on all shareholders are governed by the Merger Act.  A statutory merger or demerger requires that at least two-thirds of the shares and a majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented at the general meeting of shareholders, vote in favor of the transaction.  Under the Merger Act, a “demerger” may take two forms:

If a transaction under the Merger Act receives all of the necessary consents, all shareholders would be compelled to participate in the transaction.  See “—Voting” above.

Swiss companies may be acquired by an acquirer through the direct acquisition of the share capital of the Swiss company.  With respect to corporations limited by shares, such as Transocean Ltd., the Merger Act provides for the possibility of a so-called “cash-out” or “squeeze-out” merger if the acquirer controls 90% of the outstanding shares.  In these limited circumstances, minority shareholders of the company being acquired may be compensated in a form other than through shares of the acquiring company (for instance, through cash or securities of a parent company of the acquiring company or of another company).  For business combinations effected in the form of a statutory merger or demerger and subject to Swiss law, the Merger Act provides that if the equity rights have not been adequately preserved or compensation payments in the transaction are unreasonable, a shareholder may request the competent court to determine a reasonable amount of compensation.

In addition, under Swiss law, the sale of “all or substantially all of our assets” by us may require a resolution of the general meeting of shareholders passed by holders of at least two-thirds of the voting rights and a majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented at the general meeting of shareholders.  Whether or not a shareholder resolution is required depends on the particular transaction, including whether the following test is satisfied:

If all of the foregoing apply, a shareholder resolution would likely be required.

Legal Name; Formation; Fiscal Year; Registered Office

Transocean Ltd. was initially formed on August 18, 2008.  It is incorporated and domiciled in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug, Switzerland, and operates under the Swiss Code as a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft).  Transocean Ltd. is recorded in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zug with the registration number CHE-114.461.224.  Transocean Ltd.’s fiscal year is the calendar year.

The address of Transocean Ltd.’s registered office is Transocean Ltd., Turmstrasse 30, 6312 Steinhausen, Switzerland, and the telephone number at that address is +41 (41) 749 0500.

Corporate Purpose

Transocean Ltd. is the parent holding company of the Transocean group.  Pursuant to its articles of association, its business purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, exploit and sell, whether directly or indirectly, participations in businesses in Switzerland and abroad, in particular in businesses that are involved in offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells, oil and gas drilling management services, drilling engineering services and drilling project management services and oil and gas exploration and production activities, and to provide financing for this purpose.  Transocean Ltd. may acquire, hold, manage, mortgage and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad.

Duration and Liquidation

Our articles of association do not limit our duration.  Under Swiss law, we may be dissolved at any time by a resolution adopted at a general meeting of shareholders, which must be passed by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two thirds of voting rights and an absolute majority of the par value of the shares, each as represented (in person or by proxy) at the general meeting.  Dissolution and liquidation by court order is possible if (1) we become bankrupt or (2) shareholders holding at least 10% of our share capital so request for valid reasons.  Under Swiss law, any surplus arising out of liquidation (after the settlement of all claims of all creditors) is distributed in proportion to the paid-up par value of shares held. The amount exceeding the par value of the share is subject to Swiss withholding tax of 35%.  Our shares carry no privilege with respect to such liquidation surplus.

Uncertificated Shares

Our shares have been issued in uncertificated form in accordance with article 973c of the Swiss Code as uncertificated securities, which have been registered with Computershare, and constitute intermediated securities within the meaning of the Swiss Federal Act on Intermediated Securities.  In accordance with article 973c of the Code, Transocean Ltd. maintains a register of uncertificated securities (Wertrechtebuch).

Stock Exchange Listing

Our shares are listed and trade on the NYSE under the symbol “RIG.”

No Sinking Fund

The shares have no sinking fund provisions.

No Liability for Further Calls or Assessments

The shares that have been issued to date are duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

No Redemption and Conversion

The shares are not convertible into shares of any other class or series or subject to redemption either by us or the holder of the shares.

Transfer and Registration of Shares

We have not imposed any restrictions applicable to the transfer of our shares, other than the requirement that an acquirer of shares expressly declares to have acquired the shares in its own name and for its own account.  Our share register is maintained by Computershare, which acts as transfer agent and registrar.  The share register reflects only record owners of our shares.  Swiss law does not recognize fractional share interests.

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase shares of Transocean Ltd., debt securities of Transocean Inc. or other securities or any combination of the foregoing.  We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities, and warrants sold with other securities may be attached to or separate from the other securities.  Warrants will be issued under one or more warrant agreements between us and a warrant agent that we will name in the prospectus supplement.

We have summarized selected provisions of the warrants and the warrant agreements below.  If we offer any warrants, we will file the form of any warrant certificate and warrant agreement with the SEC, and you should read the warrant certificate and warrant agreement for provisions that may be important to you.

The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants being offered will describe the warrants and include specific terms relating to the offering.  The prospectus supplement will include some or all of the following:

Warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new warrant certificates of different denominations at the office indicated in the prospectus supplement.  Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities subject to the warrants.

Modifications

We may amend the warrant agreements and the warrants, without the consent of the holders of the warrants, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding warrants.

We may also modify or amend various other terms of the warrant agreements and the warrants with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in number of the then outstanding unexercised warrants affected.  Without the consent of the holders affected, however, no modification or amendment may:

Enforceability

The warrant agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any agency or trust obligation or relationship for or with any holder or beneficial owner of warrants.  The warrant agent will not have any duty or responsibility if we default under the warrant agreements or the warrant certificates.  A warrant holder may, without the consent of the warrant agent, enforce by appropriate legal action on its own behalf the holder’s right to exercise the holder’s warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of shares of Transocean Ltd., debt securities of Transocean Inc. or securities of third parties including any of our affiliates, a basket of such securities, an index or indices of such securities or any combination of the above as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may issue purchase contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and obligating us to sell to holders, at a future date, a specified or varying number of securities at a purchase price, which may be based on a formula.  Alternatively, we may issue purchase contracts obligating us to purchase from holders, and obligating holders to sell to us, at a future date, a specified or varying number of securities at a purchase price, which may be based on a formula.  We may satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the subject securities or by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or prefunded and may be paid on a current or deferred basis.  The purchase contracts may require holders thereof to secure their obligations under the contracts in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

We may issue rights to purchase shares of Transocean Ltd. or debt securities of Transocean Inc.  The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights.  In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering.  Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agent agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.  The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.

The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:

Each right would entitle the holder of such right to purchase for cash the principal amount of shares or debt securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.  After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.

If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than our securityholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Holders of rights will have no rights as shareholders with respect to the shares or any of our equity securities for which the rights may be exercised until they have exercised their rights by payment in full of the exercise price and in the manner provided in the prospectus supplement, and such shares have been issued to such persons.  Holders of rights will have no right to revoke their subscriptions or receive their monies back after they have completed and delivered the materials required to exercise their rights and have paid the exercise price.  All exercises of rights are final and cannot be revoked by the holder of rights.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination.  Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit.  Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security.  The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

We will file the unit agreement, together with the terms of the underlying securities, with the SEC if we offer any units.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS

Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association have provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the board of directors and in the policies formulated by the board of directors, and may have the effect of discouraging actual or threatened changes of control by limiting certain actions that may be taken by a potential acquirer prior to its having obtained sufficient control to adopt a special resolution amending our articles of association.

Under the Swiss Code, directors may at any time, with or without cause, be removed from office by resolution of the shareholders at a general meeting of shareholders, provided that a proposal for such resolution has been put on the agenda for the meeting in accordance with the requirements of the Swiss Code and Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association. Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association provide that a decision of the shareholders at a general meeting to remove a director requires the vote of shareholders holding at least 66 2/3% of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote at that meeting.

Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association include a provision that is based on the Delaware corporate law regarding business combinations. This provision provides that, subject to specified exceptions, absent the approval of holders of the number of shares at least equal to the sum of (A) two-thirds of the number of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote at a general meeting, plus (B) a number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the general meeting that is equal to one-third of the number of shares held by an interested shareholder, Transocean Ltd. may not engage in any business combination with an interested shareholder (as those terms are defined in Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association) or amend the provisions in Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association relating to this shareholder approval requirement.

The shareholder approval requirement for business combinations with interested shareholders does not apply in some cases, including if:

As defined in Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association, an interested shareholder generally includes any person who, together with that person’s affiliates or associates, (1) owns 15% or more of the voting shares of Transocean Ltd. or (2) is an affiliate or associate of Transocean Ltd. and owned 15% or more of the voting shares of Transocean Ltd. at any time within the previous three years.

Under Swiss law, there is generally no prohibition of business combinations with interested shareholders. However, in certain circumstances, shareholders and members of the board of directors of Swiss companies, as well as certain persons associated with them, must refund any payments they receive that are not made on an arm’s length basis.

Transocean Ltd.’s articles of association include an authorized share capital, according to which the board of directors is authorized to issue new shares at any time until May 27, 2023 and thereby increase the stated share capital by up to 205,702,850 shares. Under the terms of the authorized share capital, our board of directors has authority to withdraw or limit the preemptive rights of the existing shareholders in various circumstances with respect to up to 68,567,616 shares.

The articles of association also include a conditional share capital, according to which we may, from time to time, issue up to a maximum of 142,363,647 shares in connection with bonds, notes, warrants and other financial instruments or contractual obligations convertible into or exercisable for shares. Under the terms of the conditional share capital, the board of directors has authority to withdraw or limit the advance subscription rights of the existing shareholders with respect to bonds, notes, warrants and other financial instruments or contractual obligations convertible into or exercisable for shares if the issuance or grant is for purposes of the financing or refinancing of an acquisition of an enterprise or business, parts of an enterprise, participations or investments, or if the issuance occurs in national or international capital markets or through private placements. For further information on preemptive rights and advance subscription rights, see “Description of Transocean Ltd. Shares—Preemptive Rights and Advance Subscription Rights” above.

For other provisions that could be considered to have an anti-takeover effect, see “Description of Transocean Ltd. Shares—General Meetings of Shareholders” above.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The issuers may sell the offered securities in and outside the United States (1) through underwriters or dealers, (2) directly to purchasers, (3) through agents or (4) through a combination of any of these methods.  The prospectus supplement will set forth the following information:

Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers

If underwriters are used in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account.  The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale.  Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters.  Unless the issuer informs you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if they purchase any of them.  The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.

Underwriters may sell Transocean Ltd.’s shares under this prospectus by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, which includes sales made directly on the NYSE, on any other existing trading market for Transocean Ltd.’s shares or to or through a market maker, or in privately negotiated transactions, including block trades. Unless Transocean Ltd. informs you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the sales agent with respect to any such at-the-market offering will make all sales using commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, on mutually agreeable terms between the sales agent and us. Transocean Ltd. will include in the applicable prospectus supplement the amount of any compensation to be received by the sales agent.

During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market.  These transactions may include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering.  The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, in which selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the offered securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such offered securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions.  These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market.  If commenced, these activities may be discontinued at any time.

If an issuer uses dealers in the sale of securities, it will sell the securities to them as principals.  They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale.  The dealers participating in any sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act

with respect to any sale of those securities.  The issuer will include in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.

Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents

The issuers may sell the securities directly.  In that event, no underwriters or agents would be involved.  An issuer may also sell the securities through agents the issuer designates from time to time.  In the prospectus supplement, such issuer will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and the issuer will describe any commissions payable by the issuer to the agent.  Unless an issuer informs you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

The issuers may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities.  The issuer will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.

Delayed Delivery Contracts

If an issuer so indicates in the prospectus supplement, such issuer may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from the issuer at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts.  These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future.  The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement.  The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.

Remarketing

The issuers may offer and sell any of the securities in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment by their terms or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms acting as principals for their own accounts or as the issuer’s agents.  The issuers will identify any remarketing firm, the terms of any remarketing agreement and the compensation to be paid to the remarketing firm in the prospectus supplement.  Remarketing firms may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act.

Derivative Transactions

The issuers may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions.  If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions.  If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by an issuer or borrowed from an issuer or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of shares, and may use securities received from such issuer in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of shares.

The issuers or any of their affiliates may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus.  Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in an issuer’s securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or otherwise.

The third parties in any of the sale transactions described above will be underwriters and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

General Information

The issuers may have agreements with the agents, dealers and underwriters to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make.  Agents, dealers and underwriters may be our customers, may engage in transactions with us, or may perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.

To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a particular plan of distribution. The place and time of delivery for the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Each series of offered securities will be a new issue, and other than the shares of Transocean Ltd., which are listed on the NYSE, will have no established trading market. The issuers may elect to list any series of offered securities on an exchange, but the issuers are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of offered securities. However, they will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. The issuers cannot assure you that a liquid trading market for any of our offered securities will develop.

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VALIDITY OF THE SECURITIES

The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon by Carey Olsen, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, as to matters of Cayman Islands law, by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas, as to certain matters relating to U.S. law and by Homburger AG, Zurich, Switzerland as to matters of Swiss law.  Any underwriters will be advised about matters relating to any offering by their own legal counsel.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. appearing in Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020 (including the schedule appearing therein), and the effectiveness of Transocean Ltd.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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