Keppel FELS complete two rigs early for Transocean and Asia Offshore Drilling, earning a combined US$1.5-milliion bonus.

Over two consecutive days Keppel FELS held naming ceremonies for twin jackup rigs built for Transocean, and another jackup rig built for Asia Offshore Drilling (AOD), which is majority owned and managed by Seadrill Limited.

Transocean named twin Super B Class Bigfoot jackup rigs, Transocean Siam Driller and the yet to be completed Transocean Andaman, at a ceremony in Keppel FELS in the presence of Guest of Honour, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Customised to meet Transocean's requirements, the two rigs are contracted to Chevron for work in offshore Thailand. Transocean Siam Driller was handed to Transocean 22 days ahead of schedule at the end of January 2013, while Transocean Andaman's shipyard construction is expected to be completed in March 2013.

AOD, named its KFELS B Class jackup rig, AOD I. The first of three KFELS B Class jackup rigs that AOD is currently building at Keppel FELS, AOD I has been delivered 29 days ahead of schedule and with a perfect safety record. The rig has been contracted by Saudi Aramco for work in offshore Saudi Arabia.

When completed, the AOD series of KFELS B Class rigs will be able to operate in water depths of 400 feet, drilling depth of 30,000 feet and accommodate 150 people. They will feature 'fit for purpose' off-line pipe handling and stand building, enhanced mud systems as well as improved deck layouts, greater capacities and upgraded safety equipment.

Developed by Keppel's technology arm, Offshore Technology Development, the KFELS B Class jackup is designed to provide maximum uptime with reduced emissions and discharges. It incorporates Keppel's advanced and fully-automated high capacity rack and pinion elevating system, and Self-Positioning Fixation System.