Keppel to build Scorpion?s first semisub

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) in Singapore has been contracted to build its proprietary DSS 38 deepwater semisubmersible rig for Bermuda-based Scorpion Offshore Ltd. The contract is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions and is valued at $405 million excluding owner-supplied drilling and subsea equipment. Upon its completion in the fourth quarter of 2011, this semi will be chartered by Scorpion to Brazilian national oil company Petrobras for a period of six years.

The DSS 38 model was developed from Keppel?s years of experience as a rigbuilder and keen understanding of operating requirements in the deepwater region bordered by Brazil, West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. The DSS 38 is rated to drill to depths of 30,000 feet below mud line in just over 9,000 feet water depth. With operational displacement of approximately 38,000 tonnes, the DSS 38 has housing facilities for a crew of up to 130. It has both vertical and horizontal riser storage. The eight 3,000kW azimuth thrusters configuration are designed to keep the vessel in position. All configurations comply with the ABS Dynamic Positioned System (DPS-2) requirements.

With the latest rig, Keppel FELS will be constructing three DSS 38 rigs including two units for Queiroz Galvao, three DSS 21 rigs for Maersk Contractors and one DSS 51 rig for Transocean. Designed by Keppel O&M?s Deepwater Technology Group and Marine Structures Consultants of the Netherlands, the first DSS series semisubmersible, Maersk Explorer, began operations in 2003.