Singapore: Keppel on Track to Deliver Fifth Ensco 8500 Series Rig

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) is on track to deliver ENSCO 8504, the fifth of seven ENSCO 8500 Series® ultra-deepwater semisubmersible drilling rigs being built exclusively for Ensco plc .

Keppel FELS expects to deliver the rig on time, within budget and with no lost time incidents. ENSCO 8504 has been contracted to TOTAL E&P Deep Offshore Borneo B.V. for deployment in Brunei.

The rig was named at Keppel FELS today by Lady Sponsor, Mrs. Maika Grosjean, in the presence of Guest-of-Honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry.

Mr Daniel W. Rabun, Ensco’s Chairman, President & CEO, said, “Our ENSCO 8500 Series® rigs built by Keppel FELS have been very well received by the market. These ultra-deepwater rigs increase our offerings to customers including our newest, TOTAL in Brunei.

“Keppel FELS has been a key partner for Ensco as we grew to become the world’s second largest offshore drilling contractor. Over the years, we have entrusted Keppel with 11 jackup rigs and seven semisubmersibles. They have been our partner of choice in providing high quality products in a safe and efficient manner, on time and within budget.”

Designed to address some of the most demanding offshore drilling requirements at water depths up to 8,500 feet, ENSCO 8504 features a two million pound quad derrick, offline pipe handling capability, 35,000 feet drilling capacity and DP2 station keeping capabilities.

Mr Tong Chong Heong, CEO of Keppel O&M, said, “We are pleased to support Ensco with their newbuilding programme as they grow their fleet of highly-capable rigs. Having built 14 rigs for Ensco including this latest semisubmersible, with four more on order, we have developed an understanding and trust that has enabled us to deliver successive projects more efficiently and in a safer manner.

“We work closely with our customers to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions for the market. Besides the remaining two ENSCO 8500 rigs, we also are constructing two ultra-premium harsh environment jackup rigs for Ensco modeled after our proprietary KFELS Super A Class design. We are committed to delivering these high-specification offshore rigs to the highest satisfaction of our faithful customer, Ensco.”

About ENSCO 8500 Series®

The proprietary ENSCO 8500 Series® design is capable of drilling in up to 8,500 feet of water, and can be upgraded to 10,000 feet water-depth capability if required. The design includes a 35,000′ nominal rated drilling depth, six ram BOP, two million pound hoisting capacity, 8,000 tons of variable deck load and an open layout well suited for subsea completion activities. Improved visibility from the open deck configuration also enhances safety.

About Keppel FELS

Keppel FELS is a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited. Keppel O&M is a leader in offshore rig design, repair and construction, shiprepair and conversion and specialised shipbuilding. Its near market, near customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards and offices in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions. Integrating the experience and expertise of its yards worldwide, the group aims to be the provider of choice and partner for solutions for the offshore and marine industry.

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Source: Keppel, June 19, 2011.