EX-12.1 2 a2218243zex-12_1.htm EX-12.1
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 12.1

Cobalt International Energy, Inc.

Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 
   Year Ended December 31,  
 
   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009  
 
   ($ in thousands)
  

Fixed Charges:

                                

Interest expense

   $ 65,376   $ 3,140                    

Capitalized interest

     17,699     —                    
                             
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ 83,075   $ 3,140                    
                             
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Earnings:

                                

Pretax (loss) income from continuing operations

   $ (589,024 ) $ (282,999 ) $ (133,637 ) $ (136,476 ) $ (81,257 )

Fixed charges

     83,075     3,140     —     —     —  

Less: Interest capitalized in current period

     (17,699 )   —     —     —     —  
                       
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

   $ (523,648 ) $ (279,859 ) $ (133,637 ) $ (136,476 ) $ (81,257 )
                       
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     —     —     —     —     —  

Insufficient coverage

   $ 606,723   $ 282,999     N/A     N/A     N/A  



QuickLinks