Smedvig Asia News

Keppel Hitachi Zosen (KHZ) has delivered a Semi-Submersible Self-Erecting Tender Rig (SSETR) to Smedvig Asia Ltd (Smedvig). The SSETR was named West Alliance by Mrs. Patricia Chan, wife of Mr. Chan Heng Wah, Drilling Manager of Esso Production Malaysia Inc, at a naming ceremony held in Keppel Shipyard on September 29, 2001. West Alliance has a one plus one optional year drilling contract with Esso Malaysia, which is scheduled to commence in early November this year. Following the exercise of its option, Smedvig will own 100 per cent of West Alliance, and bring the total capital expenditure of the rig to about $85 million. West Alliance represents the newest generation of SSETRs, incorporating the latest technology and equipment.

Smedvig Asia has exercised its option to purchase Keppel Hitachi Zosen’s (KHZ) interest in the semi-submersible tender rig, West Alliance, for US$61.5 million on November 2, 2001. In mid August this year, Smedvig Asia had announced its intention to purchase KHZ’s stake in the rig once the vessel commences operations. With the exercise of its option, Smedvig Asia now owns 100 percent of West Alliance. West Alliance, now deployed in East Malaysia under a contract with Esso Malaysia, was successfully built and delivered by Keppel Shipyard, a member of the Keppel Group, in October 2001.

Keppel FELS Limited has entered into a cooperation agreement with Smedvig Asia Limited (Smedvig Asia) to build a Semisubmersible Drilling Tender (SSDT) with Keppel Offshore & Marine’s proprietary design. Developed by the Deepwater Technology Group (DTG), the KFELS SSDT3600-GOM-C42 will be the fourth vessel in the series of successful SSDTs that have been gainfully deployed in this region. Valued at $94 million, Keppel FELS and Smedvig Asia will own and operate the ultra deepwater semi tender on a 72/28 basis respectively. The newbuild is due for completion in the third quarter of 2005.

Unocal Thailand Ltd. has issued a letter of intent to Smedvig Asia Ltd. for the assignment of the self-erecting tender rig T-4. The production drilling assignment has a duration of five years, and the contract value is estimated at approximately $73 million. The contract includes an incentive arrangement that could increase the contract value. The proposed contract includes early termination provisions after three years against payment of an early termination fee. T-4 is currently working under a drilling contract for Unocal Thailand until mid-December 2002. Thereafter the rig is scheduled for a four months extensive upgrading and classification survey, before it starts up under the new contract in April 2003.

Keppel Shipyard entered into a co-operation agreement with Smedvig Asia recently to build a Semi-Submersible Self-Erecting Tender Rig (SSETR), a contract with a total estimated worth of $82.5 million, $59.5 million of which is Keppel’s share. For its part, Keppel Shipyard will build and own the semi-submersible hull, while Smedvig owns the derrick equipment set. 10-year period. It can also purchase the semi-submersible hull within this time frame. increased deckload and mooring for deeper water. capitalize on the present lower cost of construction, said Nelson Yeo, Executive Director of Keppel Hitachi Zosen.

Keppel Shipyard, a member of the Keppel Hitachi Zosen Group, won a $17 million contract from Blue Ice Shipping Corporation to convert a container vessel into a livestock carrier. Maysora -- a 643 x 93 x 52.8 ft. (196 x 28.4 x 16.1 m), 24,515 dwt container vessel will be converted into a fully outfitted livestock vessel with a minimum carrying capacity of 70,560 sheep and 5,640 cattle. Mr Charles Foo, Managing Director of Keppel Hitachi Zosen said, "We were awarded this job based on our competitive pricing and wealth of experience in conversion projects, specifically livestock carrier conversions. During the conversion, Keppel Shipyard will increase Maysora's carrying capacity by maximizing all available space in the vessel.

Keppel Shipyard has secured a S$7 million contract from Smedvig Asia for the jumboization and upgrading of their Drilling Tender Barge, Robray T7. On completion of the works, Robray T7 will have enhanced capabilities and will be deployed for offshore operations in Thailand. Nelson Yeo, Executive Director of Keppel Hitachi Zosen said, "This is the second jumboization project we have secured this year, and it is testimony to our customers' confidence in our expertise and our ability to deliver quality work at competitive prices." Keppel Shipyard's scope of work on Robray T7 includes the widening of the vessel by 30 feet at the starboard side from the forward to the aft…

Keppel Hitachi Zosen, through Keppel Singmarine Dockyard, will build two harbor tugs for S$17 million for the Abu Dhabi Sea Port Authority, Port Zayed in the United Arab Emirates. Both tugs are expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2001. The steel-hulled, twin-screwed, diesel motor-driven harbor tugs will be built to a length overall of 33 meters, a breadth of 10 meters, a depth of 5 meters, and a draft of 4 meters. The tugs will have a bollard pull of 50 tons, and a maximum speed of 13.8 knots. Lum Chee Kong, General Manager of Keppel Singmarine Dockyard said, "Keppel Singmarine's strength lies in the construction of a wide range of tugs and smaller specialized vessels.

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), will divest its entire 72 percent interest in the rig, West Berani, to SeaDrill Asia Limited (SeaDrill Asia) for approximately $72m. This divestment follows the completion of the semisubmersible drilling tender (SSDT), which was delivered on time today. In May 2005, Keppel FELS entered into an agreement with SeaDrill Asia, formerly Smedvig Asia, to own and operate the SSDT on a 72/28 basis respectively. SeaDrill Asia had the option to exercise Keppel FELS’ interest in the rig upon completion. This is the fifth deepwater tender drilling rig that Keppel has built for SeaDrill Asia since 1994.

Keppel Hitachi Zosen Ltd said on Friday that Smedvig Asia intends to exercise its option to purchase the Singapore ship repair specialist's interest in a tender rig for $61.5 million. Keppel Hitachi said in a statement that Smedvig, a unit of Norway's Smedvig ASA, proposed to exercise its option after delivery of the semi-submersible tender rig West Alliance and after commencement of drilling operations.

Keppel Hitachi Zosen Limited (KHZ) is in discussions with Smedvig Asia regarding the latter's intention to exercise its option to purchase KHZ's interest in the semi-submersible tender rig, West Alliance, presently under construction in Keppel Shipyard. The purchase price is approximately $61.5 million. Smedvig has proposed to exercise the option after delivery of the tender rig and after commencement of operations under its drilling contract with Esso Malaysia, which was secured recently and is for a period of one year plus one optional year. Smedvig has announced that start-up of drilling operations is scheduled for early November this year. The construction of West Alliance is proceeding according to schedule.