Keppel FELS Secures ENSCO Order

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) won a repeat order for an ultra-deepwater semisubmersible drilling rig from a wholly-owned subsidiary of ENSCO International Incorporated (ENSCO). The total project value is approximately $338 million. The semi is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter 2009. To be named ENSCO 8501, this rig is similar to the first semi, ENSCO 8500, which ENSCO ordered with Keppel FELS in September 2005. Both semis will have the capability of drilling in water depths of up to 8,500 ft, and can be readily upgraded to 10,000 ft water-depth if required. Each rig is fitted with a DPS2 dynamic positioning system, eight 2600#kW thrusters and a single conventional drilling derrick system, with accommodation for up to 150 persons. The pontoons and lower hull columns of the two ENSCO semis will be built in the Keppel Philippines shipyard in Batangas. When completed, these modules will be transported to Keppel FELS in Singapore to be assembled with the other parts of the semis. Apart from the two ENSCO semis, Keppel FELS is currently constructing three other semis, undertaking a major conversion of a semi and fabricating 15 jackups. Keppel FELS is also expected to deliver the KFELS B Class jackup rig, ENSCO 107, to ENSCO one month ahead of contractual schedule with clean safety record of zero incident on January 21. It is the eighth jackup rig that the Keppel O&M group has completed for ENSCO since 1999.