Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), through Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS), has secured a US$385 million repeat order to build a semisubmersible drilling rig for Brazilian drilling contractor group Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gás (QGOG). This price excludes the drilling and subsea equipment which will be supplied by QGOG.

To be named Alpha Star, this deepwater platform will be built to the DSSTM 38 design jointly developed by Keppel O&M’s technology arm Deepwater Technology Group and Marine Structures Consultants of The Netherlands.

This latest rig is a repeat order of the first semisubmersible, Gold Star, which was awarded to Keppel FELS in August 2006. Gold Star will support Petrobras’ growth plans whilst Alpha Star may be deployed in either offshore West Africa or South America, when they are delivered in the second half of 2009 and of 2011 respectively.

Mr Tong Chong Heong, Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer of Keppel O&M said, “The repeat semisubmersible order speaks volumes of QGOG’s deepening confidence in us, and the growing acceptance of our proprietary DSSTM 38 design.

“I am glad that QGOG has chosen us as a choice partner for their newbuild programme. Keppel O&M is in good stead to add value to Brazil’s offshore sector.”

An innovative and cost-effective design, the DSSTM 38 semisubmersible drilling rig is designed to meet the operational requirements in the deepwater “Golden Triangle” region, comprising Brazil, Africa and the Gulf of Mexico.

The DSSTM 38 is rated to drill to depths of 30,000 feet below mud line in just over 9,000 feet water depth. It is 103.5 metres in overall length, with a main deck size of 69.5 metres by 69.5 metres. Its operational displacement is approximately 38,000 tonnes.

The DSSTM 38 has accommodation facilities to house a crew of up to 130 men. It has both vertical and horizontal riser storage. The eight 3000kW Azimuthing thrusters configuration are designed to keep the vessel in position. All configurations comply with the American Bureau of Shipping Dynamic Positioned System (DPS-2) requirements.

Besides the two DSSTM 38 for QGOG, Keppel FELS is also constructing three DSSTM 21 rigs for Maersk Contractors and one DSSTM 51 rig for Transocean. The DSSTM series of semisubmersbile rigs is jointly designed by Keppel O&M’s Deepwater Technology Group and Marine Structures Consultants of The Netherlands.

Tags: Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited