Odyssey Executes Contract With Clients Of Robert Fraser & Partners

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMEX), pioneers in the field of deep-ocean shipwreck exploration, and its subsidiary OVH, Inc. have executed agreements to provide marine archaeological excavation and related services on an existing project to certain client companies of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP (RFP). The work will be conducted on a shipwreck site that Odyssey discovered and inspected during a recently completed survey carried out under contract with the RFP client companies.

Odyssey is providing the research vessel, equipment, technical and archaeological crew to conduct the operation. The contract provides for cash payments totaling approximately U.S. $2.3 million to Odyssey and OVH, Inc., plus additional payments based upon revenue derived from the project. After the repayment of all recovery costs, Odyssey and OVH, Inc. will receive at least 50% of net revenue until an additional £1.9 Million (approximately U.S. $3.0 million) has been received and then will receive a minimum of 50% of further net revenue in accordance with the search contracts.

Subject to the verification of the shipwreck's identity, the condition of the cargo and confirmation of jurisdiction for administering legal rights and title to the shipwreck and its cargo, Odyssey expects to enter into additional agreements for the complete archaeological excavation of the site and for the conservation and documentation of any artifacts recovered.

"Our client companies are very excited by the results of this search and Odyssey's efficiency and performance on this project," commented Colin Emson of Robert Fraser & Partners. "In the coming months, we look forward to our clients completing further contracts with Odyssey."

About Robert Fraser & Partners LLP

Robert Fraser & Partners LLP is part of the London-based Robert Fraser Asset Management Group, which has operated since its formation in 1934 in the fields of merchant banking, corporate finance and structuring, marine & property finance. The group's core areas of expertise include venture capital, project syndication, corporate finance, mergers and acquisition structure, project development, new venture and global business structuring. Robert Fraser Marine Ltd. is a part of the group which specializes in assembling projects directed at shipwreck exploration and the development of deep ocean resources.