Keppel AmFELS Inc., a wholly-owned US subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), has delivered the third of four EXL jackup rigs to a subsidiary of Rowan Companies, Inc. (Rowan) ahead of schedule and within budget.
The jackup was christened Rowan EXL-III yesterday by Mrs Barbara Ladner, spouse of Mr Laron Ladner, Operations Construction Manager and employee of 41 years for Rowan. The rig is scheduled to depart Keppel AmFELS' yard in Brownsville, Texas in January 2011 to commence operations on an ultra deep gas well for McMoRan Exploration Company in the Gulf of Mexico.
Mr David Russell, Rowan's Executive Vice President of Drilling Operations, said, "High-end jackups will have a key role in the future of offshore drilling. Demand for such units is strong.
"The addition of the EXL units to our high specification jackup fleet fortifies Rowan's market leadership in this segment. We are delighted with the early and safe delivery of Rowan EXL-III, made possible by Keppel AmFELS' dedication and the strong teamwork between our teams."
The ABS-classed EXL jackup design is an enhancement of the LeTourneau Super 116E model. With leg lengths of 477 ft and a capable hook load of 2,000,000 lbs, Rowan EXL-III employs state-of-the-art technology to drill high-pressure, high-temperature and extended-reach wells worldwide. It is capable of operating in water depths of 350 ft or more, and drilling to a depth of 40,000 ft.
Mr G.S. Tan, President of Keppel AmFELS, said, "Being strategically located in the Gulf of Mexico enables Keppel AmFELS to serve our key customers well.
"We are pleased to build on our valued partnership with Rowan, with the superb completion of the third EXL jackup. We are confident that this fine jackup will deliver the outstanding performance that sets apart Rowan's EXL series of high specification rigs, which serve its customers optimally."
Meanwhile, Keppel AmFELS is progressing with the construction of Rowan's fourth jackup rig, which is on track for delivery 1Q 2012.