Keppel FELS to build KFELS Super B jackup rig worth $240 million

Keppel FELS to build KFELS Super B jackup rig worth $240 million

SINGAPORE -- Keppel FELS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) has secured a contract from BOT Lease Co. (BOTL) for a KFELS Super B Class jackup rig, worth about $240 million.

Scheduled for completion at the end of 2016, the rig, which is provisionally named Hakuryu 15, will be operated by Japan Drilling Co. (JDC), based on the leased agreement with BOTL.

The KFELS Super B Class design has a drilling depth of 35,000 ft. This rig's leg structure is uniquely designed to provide enhanced robustness for operations at a water depth of 400 ft .

The rig, adapted to JDC's operating philosophy, is engineered to operate in high ambient temperatures and can accommodate 150 personnel. It features an offline stand building capability to handle drill pipes efficiently, a high capacity hook load of 2 million pounds, boosting overall rig performance and productivity.

Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director (Offshore) of Keppel O&M, said, "Hakuryu 15 is the second KFELS Super B Class jackup rig that will join JDC's fleet, and their support is a reiteration of their trust and confidence in our proprietary solutions and companies."

"The KFELS Super B Class is an innovative solution for drilling rigs that can operate in deeper depths and at higher temperature and pressure levels. With 11 such rigs successfully operating around the world, we are confident this new addition will be just as successful for BOTL and JDC."