Keppel FELS Limited, the offshore unit of Keppel Corporation, has clinched a contract from GlobalSantaFe Corporation to upgrade jack-up, Rig 136. GlobalSantaFe is spending $30 million for the rig upgrading and life extension project. Managing Director of Keppel FELS Mr Tong Chong Heong said, “We are happy to have clinched this contract from our long time customer GlobalSantaFe. Keppel FELS has worked with them on many projects and our relationship is built on their trust for us to deliver quality rigs on time and within budget.” Keppel FELS has built for GlobalSantaFe a series of six heavy-duty harsh environment jack-up rigs since 1986, namely, Galaxy I, Galaxy II, Galaxy III, Magellan, Monitor and Monarch. The scope of the upgrade on Rig 136, a cantilever jack-up drilling unit, will encompass the refurbishment of the accommodation quarters, helideck and derrick replacements, as well as modifications to the cantilever. The project is expected to take approximately five months and upon completion in July 2002, the rig will be deployed in the South East Asia region. Keppel FELS is the world leader in the building of harsh environment jack-up rigs, having built about 60% of the world's jack-ups on order since 1996. It designs, builds and repairs the complete range of mobile
offshore drilling units, floating production systems, production topsides and specialised vessels such as
deepwater semi-submersibles, tension leg platforms and other highly sophisticated offshore vessels. GlobalSantaFe has a modern, diversified fleet of 59 mobile offshore drilling rigs and 31
land rigs. The company's offshore and land rigs are equipped with many of the latest in drilling technologies and undergo strict maintenance schedules on a regular basis. The company continues to invest in extensive equipment upgrades to ensure the most advanced fleet available.