Keppel hands over 45th KFELS B Class jack-up rig
Coinciding with parent company Keppel Corporation’s 45th anniversary this year, Keppel FELS has delivered the 45th KFELS B Class jackup rig since it launched the design in 2000. These KFELS B Class rigs make up more than 30% of the total jackups completed globally since 2000, said in the company's press release.
The rig was delivered to Arabian Drilling Company (ADC) 14 days ahead of schedule, on budget and with a perfect safety record. Named ArabDrill 50 at a ceremony today, the rig will be chartered to Saudi Aramco for operations in offshore Saudi Arabia.
The innovative and cost-effective KFELS B Class jackup rig has proven to be the trusted, reliable workhorse of the industry, and has performed excellently in major offshore exploration and development programmes in various locations worldwide. It has been employed by some 20 international drilling operators in over 15 countries.
Developed by Keppel’s technology arm, Offshore Technology Development (OTD), the KFELS B Class jackup design is able to operate in water depths of up to 400 feet and drill to depths of 30,000 feet which is readily upgradeable to higher performance capabilities.
The robust rig incorporates Keppel’s advanced and fully-automated high capacity rack and pinion jacking system, and Self-Positioning Fixation System. Designed with industry-leading features for safety and environmental friendliness, the KFELS B Class provides maximum uptime with reduced emissions and discharges.
Besides the two rigs for ADC, Keppel FELS also delivered a KFELS Super B Class rig to Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Aramco last year.
