Keppel AmFELS Strengthens GOM Presence

In what could be construed as a sign that good times are indeed ahead for the Gulf of Mexico offshore business, Amfels Inc. was recently renamed Keppel AmFELS, Inc. leveraging the Keppel and FELS brand names in its vision to further strengthen its presence in the Gulf of Mexico.

The renaming ceremony took place on November 15, 2004, at the Keppel yard in Brownsville, Texas. Guest-of-Honour, Honourable Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz of the 27th Congressional District Texas was present to unveil the new corporate identity for AMFELS. “The FELS name embodies a proud heritage of our CAN DO! spirit and our commitment to be a provider of choice and a partner in solutions to our customers while the Keppel name is synonymous with resilience, versatility and quality, said Mr. Tong Chong Heong. “The renaming to Keppel AmFELS reflects its regional affiliation in Northern and Central America which covers USA, Canada and Mexico whose markets Keppel AmFELS is actively participating.”

Particularly for Mexico, the government is planning to raise its crude oil and natural gas production in the next five years. According to a report by PEMEX, the national oil company, new investments have been planned for the development of infrastructure, exploration and production activities and offshore support equipment and vessels in order to maintain and increase its existing reserves and production levels. PEMEX’s capital expenditure has steadily increased from $5.1 billion in 1998 to $11 billion in 2004.

Mr Tong added, “The active offshore market in Mexico is a positive sign for Keppel AmFELS in our ‘near market, near customers’ strategy as we seek to further enhance our presence in Mexico Gulf.”

Since its establishment in 1990, Keppel AmFELS has built up its facilities and equipment to become the most well equipped offshore shipyard in the Gulf of Mexico.

The shipyard delivered a KFELS B class jackup to Perforadora Central for a contract with PEMEX in the Bay of Campeche earlier this year. Its sister company, Keppel Singmarine in Singapore, is building two Anchor Handling Tug/Supply vessels for Gulf Offshore, which will also be deployed by PEMEX.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel O&M, Keppel AmFELS has been able to leverage the Group’s expertise and resources to deliver on its promises of customer satisfaction and technological innovation.

Mr Ho Cheok Yuen, President of Keppel AmFELS, said, “At Keppel AmFELS, we want to bring employees together in a common vision and shared values of delivering world-class services and solutions, on time and on budget.

“We are a people-oriented organization with a corporate consciousness of contributing to the community in Brownsville, Texas.”

In line with its vision, and in commemoration of the renaming of Keppel AmFELS, the company has donated US$10,000 to the University of Texas Brownsville to establish a scholarship to be awarded to an outstanding and deserving graduate.

“The scholarship expresses our conviction that education contributes to the progress of a people. We want to support the efforts to raise the level of education amongst our youth,” said Mr Ho.

In addition to providing employment to some 1,500 workers, Keppel AmFELS has been contributing to the overall development of Brownsville. Its strong emphasis on social responsibility can be seen through the shipyard’s consistent support to community, educational and welfare organisations.

Keppel AmFELS has been named one of the largest contributors to United Way of Southern Cameron County, a reputable Texas-based charity whose primary focus is on funding programs for youths and equipping adults and families with the basic tools for living. The employees of Keppel AmFELS and its subcontractors raised a total of more than US$220,000 and US$121,000 to United Way in 2004 (year to date) and 2003 respectively.

“In recognition of Keppel AmFELS’ significant contribution to the community, I am pleased to present to the company a USA flag that has flown over The Capitol Building in Washington D.C.,” said State Congressman Solomon Ortiz, who has been representing the District 27 South Texas in the US Congress for last 22 years.

The presentation of a national flag is a tribute to a corporation for its positive impact on society by improving the quality of lives of its people. Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr, added, “The State of Texas would also like to present a Texas flag to Mr Tong Chong Heong, Chairman of Keppel AmFELS and Mr Ho Cheok Yuen, President of Keppel AmFELS, in recognition of Keppel AmFELS’ contribution to our community. Both these flags have flown over the State Capital in Austin.”