Keppel FELS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore and Marine, secured a contract from Qatar-based Gulf Drilling International to build a repeat high-specification KFELS B Class jackup rig worth US$227 million.
As part of the contract, GDI has options for two more KFELS B Class rigs for deliveries in 2017.
Keppel FELS has already begun preparations for the new jackup, to be named Halul, which is scheduled for delivery in 1Q 2016 during discussions with GDI. Upon delivery, Halul will be chartered to Qatar Petroleum for five years.
Halul is GDI's fifth KFELS B Class jackup rig ordered from Keppel. The fourth rig, Dukhan, was recently 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.
Customized to GDI's requirements, the new jackup rig will be designed to operate in the higher ambient temperature of the Middle East. The KFELS B Class is equipped with larger spud cans for reduced bearing pressure and expands its operational coverage in more places, especially in sea beds where soft soil is predominant. The rig can drill wells through 30,000ft with a cantilever that can skid out 70ft 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.
In addition to the jackup rigs Keppel has built for GDI, 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 GDI. The yard also has a six-year repair and maintenance contract for GDI's fleet of jackup rigs operating in the Middle East.
"Besides the newbuild jackups, our shipyard in Qatar, Nakilat-Keppel O&M, is also supporting GDI with the construction of a liftboat and the repair and maintenance of their rig fleet,” says Wong Kok Seng, managing director of Keppel O&M (offshore) and Keppel FELS. “Our strong partnership has been built on a number of successful projects delivered to them over the years and we look forward to continue supporting GDI as they grow in the Middle East."