Keppel FELS receives second jackup rig order at US$180mn

Jasper Investments has exercised its option with Keppel FELS to build a second KFELS B Class jackup rig for delivery in 1H2013.

The single-rig option was given to Jasper when the customer ordered its first jackup from Keppel FELS in December 2010.

Managing Director of Keppel FELS, Mr Wong Kok Seng said, "including this latest contract from Jasper, we have secured 17 jackup rigs since November last year. Of these, 14 are proprietary Keppel designs. These include 10 KFELS B and Super B Class rigs.

"We are pleased that Jasper has reaffirmed its confidence in our proprietary technology and execution expertise by exercising the option for a second KFELS B Class jackup rig. We look forward to deliver both its world class rigs safely, on time and within budget."

Similar to its first jackup rig, Jasper's latest unit will be able to operate in water depths of 400 feet, drill 30,000 feet deep and accommodate 150 men.

Executive Director of Jasper, Mr Geoffrey Yeoh said, "with rapidly increasing demand in the market for safer and more capable rigs, this is the opportune time to expand our fleet and increase our solutions for the offshore industry. We are pleased to be able to build another rig to the highly-rated KFELS B Class design with Keppel FELS.

"Teaming up with the world's leading rig designer and builder enables us to offer reliable, safe and high quality products to meet the most stringent requirements of the market. Building our first KFELS B Class rigs at Keppel FELS is an important step for Jasper in growing our presence in the offshore drilling market."