Keppel FELS books semisub contracts

Singapores's Keppel FELS Limited has secured new contracts worth about US$101 million (S$134 million) to complete and refurbish two semisubmersible drilling rigs.

The first contract, awarded by Saipem S.p.A, is for the commissioning of the technologically advanced Frigstad D90 semisubmersible rig, Scarabeo 9. A significant part of the work involves the commissioning of all marine and drilling sub-systems onboard.

The DP3 equipped rig will be able to operate at a water depth of 3,600 m.

Scarabeo 9 is slated to depart from a Chinese yard and arrive in Keppel FELS towards the end of October 2010.

The second contract is from a subsidiary of Ensco plc and is for the upgrade, repair and refurbishment of its proprietary ENSCO 7500 semisubmersible rig. The major work scopes include significant life extension work, renewing steel and pipes, operational enhancements, overhauling machinery and expanding and updating the living quarters.

ENSCO 7500 has arrived at Keppel FELS, after fulfilling its drilling contract with Chevron in Perth, Western Australia. respectively for Saipem S.p.A and Ensco plc.

Keppel FELS is a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited.