Keppel delivers fourth jackup rig to Qatar ahead of schedule

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) has delivered its fourth jackup rig, "Dukhan", to Gulf Drilling International Ltd. q.s.c. (GDI) of Qatar nine days ahead of schedule, on budget and with a perfect safety record.

“Dukhan” is a high specification rig built to Keppel’s proprietary KFELS B Class design. Keppel FELS has previously delivered three similar jackup rigs to GDI; "Al Khor", "Al Zubarah" and "Les-hat".

Mr Wong Kok Seng Managing Director (Offshore) of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) and Keppel FELS said, “We are pleased to deliver another major project to GDI early, on budget and to their highest satisfaction. It is a result of the strong partnership we have built with GDI over the years on a variety of projects. Repeat customers are a testament to the quality of Keppel O&M's products and services as well as the effectiveness of our proprietary designs. I am confident that "Dukhan" will be just as successful for GDI as the three rigs we have delivered to them since 2006.

“In addition, our shipyard in Qatar, Nakilat-Keppel O&M (N-KOM), is also supporting GDI with the repair and maintenance of their rig fleet. N-KOM has recently secured a contract to build a customised liftboat for GDI. We look forward to supporting GDI as they expand their offshore fleet and presence in the Middle East.”  

Customised for GDI with features that enable it to work anywhere in Qatar, "Dukhan" will be chartered to Qatar Petroleum for five years. The KFELS B Class is equipped with larger spud cans for reduced bearing pressure which expands its operational coverage, especially in sea beds where soft soil is predominant. It includes a 15,000 PSI choke system for well control and can drill wells through 30,000 ft with a cantilever that can skid out 75 ft from the edge of the hull to drill wells. It also features offline stand building and 7,500 PSI mud pumps.

Besides the four jackup rigs Keppel has built for GDI, N-KOM, its joint venture shipyard with Qatar Gas Transport Company, is constructing a self-propelled and self-elevating liftboat customised for GDI. N-KOM has also been awarded a six-year repair and maintenance contract for GDI’s fleet of jackup rigs operating in the Middle East.