Keppel FELS wins $227 million jack-up order

Al Khor - one of four jack-ups previously delivered to Gulf Drilling International by Keppel FELS

SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 — Singapore’s Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), has secured a contract from Gulf Drilling International Ltd. (q.s.c.) of Qatar to build a repeat high-specification KFELS B Class offshore jack-up rig worth US$227 million.

As part of the contract, Gulf Drilling has options for two more KFELS B Class rigs for deliveries in 2017.

The new jack-up is to be named Halul. Keppel FELS started preparations for its scheduled delivery in first quarter 2016 during the course of discussions with Gulf Drilling. On delivery, the rig will be chartered to Qatar Petroleum for five years.

Halul is GDI’s fifth KFELS B Class jack-up rig ordered from Keppel. The fourth rig, Dukhan, was delivered last month. Les Hat, a similar jackup, was delivered last year and has been successfully operating for GDI in the Middle East, following in the footsteps of sister rigs, Al Khor and Al Zubarah.

Mr. Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director of Keppel O&M (Offshore) and Keppel FELS said, “We are pleased to have been chosen by GDI to build another benchmark jackup rig for them. The KFELS B Class has established itself as a reliable high specification jackup rig for the Middle East with more than 10 such rigs successfully operating there.”

Customized to Gulf Drilling’ss requirements, the new jack-up rig will be designed to operate in the higher ambient temperature of the Middle East. The KFELS B Class has larger spud cans for reduced bearing pressure that expand its operational coverage in more places, especially in sea beds where soft soil is predominant.

The rig can drill wells through 30,000 feet with a cantilever that can skid out 70 feet from the edge of the hull to drill wells. It features offline stand building capabilities and 7,500 PSI mud pumps, with accommodation for 150 persons.

Gulf Drilling CEO Mr. Ibrahim J. Al Othman said, “GDI is pleased to be signing a contract with Keppel FELS once again for this new requirement. We have built a solid relationship with Keppel FELS, who have a reputation for reliability and dependability. The majority of our rigs are of the newer, high spec variety that have been customized to meet the needs of our clients. We make it a point to work closely with our clients in order to satisfy their requirements in a cost effective manner.”

Nakilat-Keppel O&M, Keppel’s joint venture shipyard with Qatar Gas Transport Company, is currently constructing a self-propelled and self-elevating liftboat customized for Gulf Drilling The shipyard also has a six-year repair and maintenance contract for the Gulf Drilling jack-up fleet operating in the Middle East.