Keppel FELS Limited wins contract from Maersk Drilling Holdings to build a repeat Gusto MSC CJ70 ultra harsh environment jackup rig worth about US$560 million
Scheduled for delivery in 1Q 2015, the rig will be deployed in Dagny field in the Norwegian North Sea for Statoil when completed.
The CJ70 rigs are designed for operation in the harsh environment of the North Sea, at water depths of up to 150 metres. The high capacity features include offline pipe handling and simultaneous operations as well as an enlarged cantilever reach, which will significantly increase the drilling efficiency compared to conventional units. The enhanced design also includes multi-machine control on the drill floor that adds a degree of automation to ensure a safe operation and consistent performance. A total of 150 people can be accommodated on board in single cabins.
This is the third CJ70 jackup rig that Keppel FELS is building for Maersk Drilling, following an order for two such rigs in February 2011. As part of this repeat order, Maersk Drilling will have an option to build an additional jackup rig of the same design with Keppel FELS.
Mr Claus V. Hemmingsen, CEO of Maersk Drilling and Member of the Executive Board of the A. P. Moller - Maersk Group added, "Maersk Drilling already operates six ultra harsh environment jackup rigs in Norway, and the addition of three more high specification units will further solidify our stronghold in this attractive market. We have chosen to work with Keppel FELS as they have proven to be a professional partner and supplier of state-of-the-art drilling units, helping us to meet the needs of our customers."