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kfels b class jack-up rig keppel

Backed by New Contract with QP, Gulf Drilling Heads to Keppel Once More

Rob Almeida
Total Views: 31
September 16, 2014

Keppel designed KFELS B jack-up rigs. File photo via Keppel FELS

With a 5-year charter in-hand with Qatar Petroleum, Qatari drilling firm Gulf Drilling International has placed its fifth newbuild order with Keppel FELS for their high-specification KFELS B Class jack-up drilling rig today.

The $227 million contract includes options for two more rigs with deliveries in 2017.

To be named Halul, this new rig will be designed to operate in the higher ambient temperature of the Middle East and equipped with larger spud cans for reduced bearing pressure while operating on sea beds where soft soil is predominant. The rig can drill wells through 30,000 feet with a cantilever that can skid out 70 feet fromthe edge of the hull to drill wells. Halul will feature offline stand building capabilities and 7,500 PSI mud pumps with accommodation for 150 persons.  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.

Delivery is planned for 1Q 2016.

Mr Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director of Keppel O&M (Offshore) and Keppel FELS notes that there are currently 10 such rigs built by Keppel FELS 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,” adds Mr. Wong. “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.”

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