18 Mar 2010

Keppel delivers Floatel Superior 43 days early

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) has delivered the semisubmersible accommodation rig, Floatel Superior, 43 days early, safely and within budget to Floatel International (Floatel). The vessel is now ready to commence operations.

Mr Peter Jacobsson, Chief Executive Officer of Floatel International said, “Floatel Superior is the first North Sea accommodation rig built in over 20 years, and it is certainly a vessel that the market has been waiting for. Her technical features have been thoroughly engineered by the experienced Keppel FELS team, and surpass the current industry standards in many aspects.

“The early delivery of Floatel Superior marks an excellent start to her operational track record, and speaks volumes of Keppel FELS’ world class capabilities. We are confident that she will raise the bar for offshore accommodation standards in the oil and gas industry as soon as she arrives on location.”

Floatel Superior will depart Singapore shortly for Bayu Undan in the Timor Sea where she will commence her maiden charter contract for ConocoPhillips Australia following 14 days of transit on her own propulsion.

Mr Tong Chong Heong, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd said, “We lost no time on the construction of Floatel Superior, while continuing to observe stringent standards on quality, safety and class requirements.

“Her successful delivery is a true mark of Keppel FELS’ design and engineering capabilities and shipyard experience put into action. These core competencies place us in an ever ready position to respond and adapt our solutions to meet the needs and challenges of customers worldwide.

“We would like to thank Floatel for choosing Keppel FELS to build the pioneering accommodation units in their fleet, and awarding us a good bonus for the early delivery of Floatel Superior. We look forward to strengthen our win-win partnership and push new boundaries together.”

This new generation floatel is built to the DSS^TM 20NS design, developed and owned by Keppel’s Deepwater Technology Group (DTG) and Marine Structure Consultants (MSC). This innovative design combines and enhances the tried and tested DSS^TM series semisubmersible drilling rig and Keppel’s SSAU^TM 3600 accommodation semisubmersible designs, to offer a unique solution for the North Sea.

Meanwhile, the construction of Floatel’s second accommodation rig, Floatel Reliance, is progressing well at Keppel FELS. She is on track for delivery in the second half of 2010.

About Keppel FELS

Keppel FELS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited. Keppel O&M is a leader in offshore rig design, construction and repair, ship repair and conversion and specialised shipbuilding. Its near market, near customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards and offices in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions.

About Floatel International Ltd

Floatel International Ltd was established in 2006 and is incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. The vision of the Company is to own and operate the most modern fleet of accommodation and construction support vessels (floatels) in the world. The fleet is designed to meet the increased demand set by new challenging projects in deep water and hostile environments. Floatel International strives to provide superior living standard and support services compared to the existing floatel fleet. For more information: http://www.floatel.se/

For further information, please contact

Ivana Chua (Ms)
Manager
Group Corporate Communications
Keppel Corporation Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 6436
Email: ivana.chua@kepcorp.com

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The early delivery of Floatel Superior is a true mark of Keppel FELS’ design and engineering capabilities and shipyard experience put into action.