Keppel Wins US$1-Billion Transocean Jackup Rig Order

Keppel FELS Limited has secured a repeat order from a subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. (Transocean) to build 5 KFELS Super B Class jackup rigs for US$1.1 billion. The rigs are scheduled to be delivered progressively from 1Q 2016 to 3Q 2017. In addition, Transocean has options to build up to another five similar jackup rigs with Keppel FELS.

Tailored to suit Transocean's requirements, the KFELS Super B Class rigs are designed to operate in 400 feet water depth and drill to 35,000 feet. With a two million pound drilling system and a maximum combined cantilever load of 3,700 kips, the KFELS Super B Class is equipped with tremendous horsepower during drilling operations.

The rigs also will have Keppel FELS' latest proprietary design and incorporate the most advanced offshore drilling technology.  In addition, the rigs are configured with Transocean-developed features that improve performance and deliver wells more efficiently for customers.  These include offline tubular handling capabilities, superior jacking and preload capabilities, a flexible mud system, and simultaneous operations support.  The rigs are designed to accommodate 150 personnel.

"Continuing our growth in the high-specification jackup business is an important element of our asset strategy," said Steven L. Newman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transocean Ltd. "We are very excited about the potential for these rigs given our expectation for continued customer demand for assets of this capability and the outstanding operating performance of the four new high-specification jackups we have recently placed into service."