30 Jan 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.


About Keppel FELS

Keppel FELS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited. Keppel O&M is a leader in offshore rig design, construction and repair, ship repair and conversion and specialised shipbuilding. Its near market, near customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards and offices in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions.

About Floatel International Ltd

Floatel International Ltd was established in 2006 and is incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. The vision of the Company is to own and operate the most modern fleet of accommodation and construction support vessels (floatels) in the world. The fleet is designed to meet the increased demand set by new challenging projects in deep water and hostile environments. Floatel International strives to provide superior living standard and support services compared to the existing floatel fleet. For more information: http://www.floatel.se/

For further information, please contact

Diana Chan
Senior Executive
Group Corporate Communications
Keppel Corporation Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 6430
Email: diana.chan@kepcorp.com

Attachments:

Download&nbsp-&nbspSpeech by Mr Tong Chong Heong, CEO of Keppel O&M.

Lady Sponsor Dr Dianne Tompkins, flanked by husband, Mr Mark Tompkins, VP, Operations, Drilling & Supply Chain, CoconoPhillips Australia (left) and Mr Tong Chong Heong, CEO of Keppel O&M (right), names the Floatel Superior.

Mr and Mrs Jorgen Bengtsson, CFO of Floatel; Mr Tong Chong Heong, CEO of Keppel O&M; Mr Erland Bassøe, Chairman of Floatel, Lady Sponsor Dr Dianne Tompkins and Mr Mark Tompkins, VP, Operations, Drilling & Supply Chain, CoconoPhillips Australia; and Mr Sit Peng San, CFO of Keppel O&M, onboard the rig before the accomodation block.

Mr Wong Kok Seng, Executive Director of Keppel FELS presents Floatel Superior's rig nameplate to Mr Nils Erik Flink, COO of Floatel International.

Floatel Superior - First and only newbuild floatel in full compliance with the latest rules and regulations for the Norwegian sector in more than 20 years.