8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

____________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED:  APRIL 13, 2009

ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13167

TEXAS

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Internal Revenue Service – Employer Identification No. 74-1611874

15835 Park Ten Place Drive, Houston, Texas, 77084

(281) 749-7800

____________

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[  ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

ITEM 8.01 OTHER EVENTS

ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC., (NYSE - ATW) a Houston-based International Drilling Contractor, announced that the RICHMOND has been awarded a contract by Applied Drilling Technology, Inc. to drill one-well in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico at a dayrate of $52,500.  This well (estimated to take 40 days to complete) will be drilled immediately following the completion of the rig’s current contract which is expected to terminate in late April 2009 or early May 2009.  The RICHMOND (the Company’s only rig in the Gulf of Mexico) has been highly utilized for many years and has repeatedly proven its outstanding station-keeping capability and durability during recent hurricane seasons.

ITEM 9.01                                EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 99.1    Press Release dated April 13, 2009

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

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT NO.                                                                                     DESCRIPTION

99.1   Press Release dated April 13, 2009

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC.

(Registrant)

/s/ James M. Holland

James M. Holland

Senior Vice President

DATE:    April 13, 2009

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

ATWOOD OCEANICS ANNOUNCES CONTRACT AWARDED TO THE RICHMOND TO DRILL ONE WELL IN THE U.S. GULF OF MEXICO

Houston, Texas

April 13, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATWOOD OCEANICS, INC., (NYSE - ATW) a Houston-based International Drilling Contractor, announced that the RICHMOND has been awarded a contract by Applied Drilling Technology, Inc. to drill one-well in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico at a dayrate of $52,500.  This well (estimated to take 40 days to complete) will be drilled immediately following the completion of the rig’s current contract which is expected to terminate in late April 2009 or early May 2009.  The RICHMOND (the Company’s only rig in the Gulf of Mexico) has been highly utilized for many years and has repeatedly proven its outstanding station-keeping capability and durability during recent hurricane seasons.

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

Contact:  Jim Holland

                                           281-749-7804