Keppel FELS Delivers Third Super B Jackup to Transocean

Keppel FELS has delivered to Transocean their third consecutive KFELS Super B Class jackup rig on time, on budget and with zero lost-time incidents.

The rig was named Transocean Ao Thai on 31 August 2013 at Keppel FELS and has been chartered to Chevron for work in offshore Thailand. Two similar rigs – Transocean Siam Driller and Transocean Andaman – that Keppel delivered in March this year have been very successful in their drilling programmes.

Ihab Toma, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, Transocean, said, "Last Monday, the Ao Thai was handed over to Transocean from Keppel FELS. This transfer represents the fulfillment of the last of three of the finest rigs of their kind; built by Keppel FELS for Transocean for Chevron Thailand operations. But by no means should this be considered as an end. It is rather another milestone in the long relationship between these three companies and Thailand.”

Designed with larger spud cans, the KFELS Super B Class is able to operate in more places, especially areas where soft soil is predominant. A key feature is the rig’s ability to build stands offline in its drilling system package, which allows for simultaneous drilling and the preparation of drill pipes to take place. It also has 1.5 million pound drilling system and maximum combined cantilever load of 3,200 kips to help drive drilling operations.

Mr Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director (Offshore), Keppel Offshore & Marine, and Managing Director, Keppel FELS, shared, “We are delighted to be able to deliver to Transocean their third consecutive KFELS Super B Class rig safely and on schedule. The strength of this design has been reaffirmed by the excellent performances of the two rigs currently working in Thailand, and we are certain this third rig will be just as successful.

“Keppel FELS is on track to deliver a record 20 rigs this year, and so far we have delivered 15. Most of these units are built to our winning proprietary designs. Building to our designs enables us to increase the efficiency of our building process while also providing for customised solutions.”