Keppel FELS in Singapore is on track to deliver three KFELS B Class jackup rigs to Mexico's Grupo R, the company announced on 30 May, following a triple naming ceremony.
Built to Keppel's proprietary KFELS B Class design, the three identical rigs were named CANTARELL I, CANTARELL II and CANTARELL III, after the Cantarell oil field in offshore Mexico. They are the first three of five rigs that Keppel FELS is building for Grupo R.
When delivered, the three rigs named today will make 11 KFELS B Class rigs working in Mexico, Keppel said. The company continued, saying it has another two jackups under construction for Mexican customers.
The KFELS B Class jackup is designed to operate in water depths of up to 400 ft and drill to depths of 30,000 ft. Developed by Keppel's Offshore Technology Development (OTD), the KFELS B Class jackup is equipped with an advanced and fully-automated high capacity rack and pinion jacking system, and self-positioning fixation system. It has accommodations for 150.
Ramiro Garza, CEO of Grupo R, said: "In spite of the current low oil price environment, Mexico is focused on finding new resources to increase its oil production in the face of a long-term decline. Our new KFELS B Class jackup rigs are highly efficient with a proven track record. Combined with our expertise and experience, these five rigs – three now and two later – will strengthen our position as the drilling contractor leading in Mexico.
"We have built these rigs with Keppel FELS to ensure cost-efficiencies in getting customised and high quality products that are able to exceed the expectations of our customers. We look forward to continuing this win-win partnership as we grow our fleet of rigs."