Keppel delivers first rig of 2010

Keppel FELS has delivered ENSCO 8502, the third of seven ENSCO 8500 Series semisubmersible (semi) drilling rigs it has been contracted to build exclusively for Ensco International.

Delivered seven days ahead of schedule, ENSCO 8502 is on track to commence operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the second quarter of 2010, under a two-year contract with Nexen Petroleum USA with term extension options. The early completion was a culmination of progressive productivity gains achieved by Keppel FELS on the construction of the series. Construction lead time for ENSCO 8502 was reduced by 1.1 million man-hours compared to the first rig in the series. This represents a 15% boost in efficiency.

The ENSCO 8500 Series design is capable of drilling in up to 8,500 feet of water, and can be upgraded to 10,000 feet water-depth capability if required. The design includes a 35,000 foot nominal rated drilling depth, 2 million pounds of hoisting capacity, 8,000 tons of variable deck load and an open layout well suited for subsea completion activities. Improved visibility from the open deck configuration also enhances safety. With these features, the ENSCO 8500 Series rigs is especially well-suited for deepwater development drilling.

When the ENSCO 8500 Series is completed, Keppel-built rigs will make up 30% of the leading driller’s premium fleet. Construction of the next four rigs remains on schedule with expected deliveries extending from the fourth quarter of 2010 into 2012.