30-January-2010

Keppel to deliver world’s first newbuild North Sea-compliant floatel

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) is on track to deliver Floatel Superior, the first of two newbuild accommodation semisubmersibles (floatels) safely, early and within budget to Floatel International.

When delivered in March 2010, the DNV-classed, Floatel Superior, will be the only newbuild floatel in full compliance with all the latest rules and regulations for the Norwegian sector.

The rig was named today at Keppel FELS by Lady Sponsor, Dr Dianne Tompkins; spouse of Mr Mark W. Tompkins, Vice President, Operations, Drilling & Supply Chain, ConocoPhillips Australia. Upon delivery, the Floatel Superior will commence its maiden charter contract for ConocoPhillips Australia.

Mr Peter Jacobsson, CEO of Floatel International said, “Floatel International was formed to satisfy the increasing global demand for a new generation of accommodation and construction support vessels, floatels to serve in deeper waters and more hostile environments.

“Our vision is to own and operate the most modern, safe and reliable floatel fleet in the world. And we recognise the importance of working with the most reliable and experienced offshore rig designer and builder to achieve this.

“I am pleased that we will soon be taking delivery of the first floating accommodation unit of our fleet from Keppel FELS. The outstanding quality to which Floatel Superior is completed has reinforced our view that Keppel FELS is the best partner for the task.”

Capable of operating in the harshest offshore environments, Floatel Superior features accommodation for 440 persons in one-man cabins, providing the highest quality offshore accommodation available in the market today.

The unit features full health, safety and environment (HSE) compliance including strict noise level requirements, free fall lifeboats and escape chutes. In particular, the unit utilises a telescopic gangway for the safe transit of personnel and goods to and from a rig, with the ability to be extended or shortened by +/-7.5m, allowing the vessel to remain connected in severe weather.

Facilities onboard include a galley and mess room for 220 people in one seating, as well as recreational amenities such as a cinema, internet café, games room, gymnasium and sauna.

Mr Tong Chong Heong, CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine said, “Keppel FELS has designed and constructed some of the world’s most robust harsh environment rigs for frontiers such as the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and the North Sea.

“This has put us in a strong position today, to leverage our core competencies and experience, and extend them to offer a wider range of innovative and cost-effective solutions for various offshore applications. The possibilities are endless.”

This new generation floatel is built to the DSS^TM 20NS design, developed and owned by Keppel’s Deepwater Technology Group (DTG) and Marine Structure Consultants (MSC). This innovative design combines and enhances the tried and tested DSSTM series semisubmersible drilling rig and Keppel’s SSAU^TM 3600 accommodation semisubmersible designs, to offer a unique solution for the North Sea.

Floatel Superior is equipped with both Dynamic Positioning 3 (DP3) and 8-point mooring system capabilities, resulting in safe, environmentally friendly, optimal and reliable operations.

Meanwhile, the construction of Floatel’s second accommodation semi, Floatel Reliance, is on track for delivery in the second half of 2010.