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Keppel FELS clinches $534m of rig contracts

Keppel FELS clinches $534m of rig contracts

Singapore: Contracts for a $400m deepwater drilling and production jackup rig and a $134m semi-submersible drilling tender, both to be built to Keppel's proprietary designs, have been confirmed by Keppel FELS. The N Class jackup, for Norway's Skeie Group, is the third such order in less than six months. The contract, subject to certain conditions being met by July 9th, envisages that the unit will be delivered in late 2010. The ultra-flexible N Class, which will be built to comply with the challenging requirements of rigs operating in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, will be capable of simultaneous drilling and production in water depths of up to 130 metres and drilling depths down to more than 10,000 metres.

The semi-submersible, to be built for repeat Keppel customer Seadrill Asia, formerly Smedvig, is due for delivery at the end of 2009. The new rig will incorporate certain modifications to two similar units already in operation. The enhancements include increased crane load capacity to 250 tonnes, four mud pumps and accommodation and services for 160 personnel. Keppel has built a total of five tender drill rigs for Seadrill Asia since 1994 and is still constructing three of four jackups ordered by the drilling firm's parent company, Seadrill Limited. The first of the four, West Ceres, was delivered last year.  [27/06.07]