Keppel FELS to build 6th ENSCO semisubmersible rig worth US$537 million
Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) has won a contract to build a US$537 million ultra-deepwater semisubmersible (semi) drilling rig from a subsidiary of ENSCO International Incorporated (ENSCO). This contract follows shortly after of the award of the fifth semi, ENSCO 8504, that was announced on 6 May 2008. This latest rig, ENSCO 8505, is the sixth consecutive semi of the ENSCO 8500 Series® that Keppel FELS is constructing, and is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2012. Mr Daniel W. Rabun, Chairman, President and CEO of ENSCO said, “Deepwater has become a very important part of our business. We estimate that our deepwater fleet, including the 8500 Series® semis, will contribute approximately 30% of our total revenue when in operation. “We are pleased that Keppel FELS is constructing all six of our new 8500 Series® semis. We are benefiting from synergies associated with building all these rigs at one yard, and with a partner whom we have a strong working relationship, and who is familiar with our needs.”