17 Jan 2005

Keppel FELS to deliver KFELS B class jackup ahead of schedule

Keppel FELS Ltd (Keppel FELS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), today christens its KFELS B Class design jackup drilling rig, designed and built for ENSCO International Inc (ENSCO).

Completed within budget, the jackup rig will be delivered to ENSCO ahead of schedule in end January 2005.

The rig, ENSCO 106, is the first KFELS B Class jackup customised to meet ENSCO’s needs for a larger footprint in the three legs of the jackup. The footprints, which are called the spud cans, are of larger diameters. This gives ENSCO 106 the flexibility to operate in waters where the sea-bed soil conditions are extremely soft.

The rig is also equipped with the Rack Phase Differential and Pinion Load monitoring systems. Developed by Keppel Offshore & Marine’s research and development arm, Offshore Technology Development (OTD), these systems assist rig personnel in safe deployment at the drilling location.

ENSCO 106 is the fifth KFELS B Class jackup to be completed by Keppel FELS. It is also the fifth jackup that Keppel O&M has built for ENSCO since 1998.

Said Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman and CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine, “The numerous repeat jobs entrusted to us testify ENSCO’s confidence in Keppel Offshore & Marine’s commitment to be the Provider of Choice for our customers.

“It also demonstrates our unrelenting commitment to strike win-win relationships and partnerships in developing quality solutions with our customers.”

Mr Jeff Saile, President of ENSCO Offshore International Company, a subsidiary of ENSCO International, said, "The addition of ENSCO 106 to our fleet is a wonderful start for 2005. It further strengthens ENSCO's position as one of the leading offshore oil and gas drilling contractors in the world.

"The KFELS B Class is a proven design and ENSCO 106 was customised to suit ENSCO's drilling requirements.

"Keppel FELS has again affirmed their status as a world-class offshore construction yard and we are glad to work in partnership with Keppel FELS."

ENSCO 106 will be deployed to Apache Energy Limited for the North West Shelf field in Australia.

Keppel FELS is also presently constructing a sister rig, ENSCO 107, which is expected to be completed in end 2005.

Keppel FELS is the world leader in the design and construction of jackup rigs, having built 60% of the world’s fleet on order in the last decade. Its parent company, Keppel O&M is a global leader in offshore rigs and ship conversion and repair as well as a specialised shipbuilder. Keppel O&M’s near market, near customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 16 yards in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions. Integrating the experience and expertise of its yards worldwide, the group aims to be a provider of choice and a partner in solutions for the offshore and marine industry.

ENSCO International Incorporated is one of the leading offshore oil and gas drilling contractors in the world. ENSCO has 53 offshore rigs servicing the domestic and international markets. ENSCO’s modern fleet serves most of the major oil and gas provinces, including North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific.

For further information, please contact

Sarah Seah
Deputy General Manager
Group Corporate Communications
Keppel Corporation Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 6420
Email: sarah.seah@kepcorp.com

Attachments:

Download - Speech by Mr Choo Chiau Beng, CEO & Chairman of Keppel Offshore & Marine

Designed and built by Keppel FELS, the KFELS B class jackup was named ENSCO 106. It will be delivered ahead of schedule to ENSCO in end January 2005.

The Management and project teams of ENSCO and Keppel FELS at the christening of ENSCO 106 on 17 January 2005.