Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O& M), through its subsidiaries, Keppel FELS Brasil S.A. and Estaleiro BrasFELS Ltda, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Sete Brasil Participações S.A. (Sete Brasil), for the design and construction of five additional semisubmersible (semi) drilling rigs based on Keppel’s proprietary DSSTM 38E design.

The aim of the LOI is to facilitate Keppel O& M’s preparation work on these potential projects, pending the signing of the final construction contracts. The total value of the contracts, if and when successfully agreed and executed between Keppel O& M and Sete Brasil, will be approximately US$4.12 billion.

Earlier in December 2011, Keppel O& M secured one semi to be built to the same DSSTM 38E design from Sete Brasil. Like the first rig, the additional five rigs are intended to support Brazil’s exploration of its vast proven offshore oil and gas resources.

The DSSTM 38E design is an enhancement of Keppel’s proven fifth generation deepwater solution, the DSSTM 38. With improved capability and operability, the DSSTM 38E is well suited to meet the stringent requirements of the deepwater “Golden Triangle” region, comprising Brazil, Africa and the Gulf of Mexico.

Sete Brasil’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Joao Carlos Ferraz, said,  “We have entered into this LOI for five additional semis from Keppel, as we are confident of Keppel’s strong track record in the design and construction of deepwater rigs, as well as their established yard in Brazil. It is full steam ahead for us in growing our fleet of rigs and vessels to support the E& P activities in offshore Brazil, and we need to partner shipyards like Keppel which can deliver the quality rigs in a timely manner which we are looking for.”

Mr Tong Chong Heong, Chief Executive Officer, Keppel O& M, said,“We are pleased that Sete Brasil is moving ahead with the decision to order five additional semis on top of the first DSSTM 38E semi ordered late last year. With our proven track record at our Angra yard in Brazil, we believe we are in a good position to continue to contribute effectively to the growth of Brazil’s oil and gas industry.”

Jointly developed and owned by Keppel’s Deepwater Technology Group and Marine Structure Consultants, the DSSTM 38E design is an innovative and cost-effective design. It is rated to drill to depths of 10,000 metres below the rotary table in 3,000 metres water depth. Its operational displacement is approximately 45,000 tonnes. Each rig will have accommodation facilities to house a crew of up to 160 men. The vessel is designed to stay in position via eight Azimuthing thrusters and the configurations comply with the American Bureau of Shipping Dynamic Positioned System (DPS-3) requirements.