Keppel FELS to build ultra-deepwater semi

Keppel FELS Limited has secured a contract to build a semi-submersible drilling platform, ENSCO 8500, for a subsidiary of ENSCO International Incorporated. The total project value is approximately $312 million and is expected to be completed in 32 months.

ENSCO has secured for ENSCO 8500 a drilling contract with a consortium of three independent oil companies for operation in the Gulf of Mexico. This agreement is for a four-year primary term with an option for the extension of the term.

The new semi-submersible is designed for drilling in water depths of up to 8,500 ft, and can be readily upgraded to 10,000 ft water-depth capability if required. ENSCO 8500 is a dynamically positioned (DPS2) offshore drilling unit fitted with eight 2,600KW thrusters and can accommodate up to 150 people. It will have a single conventional drilling derrick system for operation in Gulf of Mexico.