Still more jack-up orders for Keppel

These latest contracts follow closely after an order placed with Keppel FELS for a newbuild jack-up rig for one of GDI’s shareholders, Japan Drilling Company, in March 2011. Scheduled for delivery in the third quarters of 2013 and 2014, Keppel says that the two latest rigs mark GDI’s first new orders in six years, and will increase the company’s jack-up fleet to seven units.

Customised to GDI’s requirements, the new jackup rigs will be designed to operate in the higher ambient temperatures of the Middle East. The KFELS B Class Bigfoot is equipped with larger spud cans for reduced bearing pressure and expands its operational coverage to locations where soft soil is predominant. GDI’s new rigs feature an enhanced leg design for added robustness. Each rig will have a full 15,000lb/in² BOP system, 75ft cantilever outreach, and be able to accommodate 150 persons. Prior to the latest contracts, Keppel FELS had delivered two KFELS B Class jackup rigs, Al-Khor and Al-Zubarah, to GDI ahead of schedule and within budget.

Tong Chong Heong, CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine,said: “We are pleased to work with GDI again, having successfully delivered two KFELS B Class jackup rigs to them previously. On top of its newbuilding contracts with Keppel FELS, GDI is also upgrading and repairing its rigs at Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine, our joint venture shipyard with Qatar Gas Transport Company. Our near market, near customer strategy enables us to develop a keen understanding of our customers’ businesses and tailor products and services to meet their needs. Repeat customers are a vindication of the quality and reliability that Keppel O&M provides, and the effectiveness of its proprietary designs. We look forward to supporting GDI as they expand their offshore fleet and presence in the Middle East.”

Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, chairman of GDI, said: “The two new hi-tech premium jack-up rigs under order from Keppel FELS will be welcome additions to GDI’s fleet. They will serve as the cornerstone of an expansion plan that is geared to increasing GDI’s share of the Qatar drilling market. GDI is driven to become a key provider of drilling rig services and to be the drilling contractor of choice in Qatar. Our commitment to both safety and performance is unwavering and these new rigs will enhance our ability to perform safely, efficiently and cost effectively. We look forward to receiving a high quality product from Keppel FELS and to continuing our association with them.”

Ibrahim J. Al-Othman, CEO of GDI said: “GDI has become the leader of Qatar’s drilling market in a matter of just six years. The decision to select Keppel FELS was carefully considered after taking into account factors such as rig design, rig equipment, experience in building jack-up rigs, reliability, timing, cost and post construction support. We believe they produce a technically superior rig and we are very pleased to be adding two more of their rigs to our fleet. Keppel FELS is our trusted partner as they have proven themselves time and again with high quality projects delivered safely, on time and within budget. We have a win-win relationship with them and the new rigs will enable GDI to expand its premium rig fleet to meet the needs of our customers in the Arabian Gulf promptly and reliably.”