First launch at Keppel Kazakhstan

Keppel Kazakhstan LLP (Keppel Kazakhstan), a unit of Keppel Corporation Limited through Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), has launched the transportation barge AKKU1, built for Agip Kazakhstan North Caspian Operating Company.

The launch marks a significant milestone as AKKU1 is the first offshore vessel ever built in Kazakhstan and is one of four barges that Keppel Kazakhstan is constructing for Agip. It is 92 metres long, 30 metres broad, and 6 metres deep, equipped with auto ballasting system to facilitate skid-on/skid-off operations. Delivery of this barge is expected by the end of this year and the remaining parts of the contract which include the other barges, the pipe racks and other structures will be delivered progressively.

The project was awarded last year at approximately $150 million and will support the development of the Kashagan oil field which has recoverable reserves of up to 13 billion barrels and is one of the largest fields discovered over the last 30 years.

Keppel Kazakhstan is located in the seaport city of Aktau on the north-eastern part of the Caspian Sea, set up in April 2003 to participate in and contribute to the emerging offshore oil and gas industry in the Kazakh Sector of the Caspian Sea. The yard?s principal activities include the design, construction, conversion and repair of offshore drilling units and structures, specialised vessels such as tugs and supply boats, and the provision of offshore supply and logistics base.