Keppel, First DSS 38 Semisubmersible for Brazil

Keppel FELS Limited is on track to deliver Gold Star, the first of two DSS 38 deepwater rigs to Brazilian operator, Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gás (QGOG) later this year.

Progressing on time and within budget, Gold Star will be the first DSS 38 rig to enter the market and support Petrobras's exploration and production activities.

Gold Star was named today by Lady Sponsor, Mrs Fiona Steane, spouse of Mr Christopher Steane, Global Head for Structured Finance of the rig’s financiers, ING Bank.

The design is jointly developed and owned by Keppel’s Deepwater Technology Group and Marine Structure Consultants. DSS 38 is a compact and cost-effective deepwater rig designed to meet operational requirements in the deepwater "Golden Triangle" region, comprising Brazil, Africa and the Gulf of Mexico.

In the league of some of the world’s most advanced semisubmersibles, DSS Series rigs are designed to maximize uptime with reduced emissions and discharges.

DSS 38, the latest model in this Series, is rated to drill depths of 30,000 feet below mud line in over 9,000 feet water depth. It has an operational displacement of over 38,000 tonnes and can accommodate 130 men. It also features both vertical and horizontal riser storage and is configured with eight 3000kW azimuth thrusters to keep the rig in position.

Presently under construction at Keppel FELS, QGOG’s second DSS 38 unit, Alpha Star, is scheduled for delivery in mid-2011.