Keppel to Deliver Another Three Jackup Rigs to Mexico in first-ever triple naming

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), is on track to deliver three KFELS B Class jackup rigs to Mexican company, Grupo R, safely, on time and on budget.

A world's first triple rig naming ceremony was held today at Keppel FELS' yard with Mr Chan Chun Sing, Singapore's Minister in Prime Minister's Office and Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress as the Guest of Honour.

Built to Keppel's proprietary KFELS B Class design, the three identical rigs were named CANTARELL I, CANTARELL II and CANTARELL III, after the Cantarell oil field in offshore Mexico. They are the first three of five rigs that Keppel FELS is building for Grupo R.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Chan said, "Keppel's achievement on the naming of these three rigs underscores Singapore's capabilities as a world leader in rig building. To continually sharpen Singapore's competitive edge, the Government will continue to collaborate actively with the industry in R&D, productivity improvements and skills training.

"I am also happy to note that Keppel's success is also a result of the strong labour-management relations that has been nurtured over the past 32 years with the union. The trust shared between the company and the union has resulted in high employee morale, conducive working environment, and increased productivity and quality."

Mr Chow Yew Yuen, CEO of Keppel O&M, added, "We are pleased to name the first three of five rigs for Grupo R with delivery on track in a timely and safe manner. We have reaped synergies from working on five rigs at one time to maximise resources and improve efficiencies in the construction process. This is extremely helpful especially when we will be delivering 15 rigs this year which is the second highest number of deliveries in a year.

"When delivered, the three rigs named today will make it 11 KFELS B Class rigs working in Mexico. It is the dominant rig design in the region, with those already in operation turning out robust, efficient and economical performances for Mexico. Besides two more rigs for Grupo R, we currently also have another two under construction for Mexican customers."

The KFELS B Class jackup is designed to operate in water depths of up to 400 feet and drill to depths of 30,000 feet. Developed by Keppel's Offshore Technology Development (OTD), the KFELS B Class jackup is equipped with an advanced and fully-automated high capacity rack and pinion jacking system, and Self-Positioning Fixation System. It has accommodation with full amenities for 150 persons.

Mr Ramiro Garza, CEO of Grupo R, said, "In spite of the current low oil price environment, Mexico is focused on finding new resources to increase its oil production in the face of a long-term decline. Our new KFELS B Class jackup rigs are highly efficient with a proven track record. Combined with our expertise and experience, these five rigs—three now and two later—will strengthen our position as the drilling contractor leading in Mexico.

"We have built these rigs with Keppel FELS to ensure cost-efficiencies in getting customised and high quality products that are able to exceed the expectations of our customers. We look forward to continuing this win-win partnership as we grow our fleet of rigs."

Keppel has delivered projects to Mexico since 2004 when it was awarded a contract to build two accommodation modules. Besides building new jackup rigs for Mexico, Keppel has also repaired and serviced a total of 18 rigs that have been deployed in Mexico.

Grupo R is a conglomerate of companies dedicated to the oil, gas and energy sector in México. With more than 5,000 employees nation-wide, Grupo R operates in the states of Campeche, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz and is headquartered in México City. Its principal activities include: offshore and onshore drilling including ultra-deep water, operation of gas fields, offshore construction and maintenance services, oil & gas infrastructure, EPC projects and specialized transport of onshore drilling rigs.

A pioneer in the oil and gas industry in Mexico, Grupo R has been constantly evolving to expand its services throughout the value-chain of the oil and gas industry. The company is an active participant in developing the Mexican economy due to its commitment and leadership in the oil and gas sector. Grupo R is the first Mexican company to drill in Mexican ultra-deep waters. Our professional crews and proficient workforce have allowed us to achieve outstanding results and a safe work environment throughout all of Grupo R companies.

Keppel FELS is a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited. Keppel FELS is a leading designer, builder and repairer of high-performance mobile offshore rigs. Its portfolio of proprietary designs and floating production solutions meets a broad spectrum of operating requirements, including deep waters and harsh environments.

As a group, Keppel O&M is also a leader in 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. Integrating the experience and expertise of its yards worldwide, the group aims to be the provider of choice and partner for solutions for the offshore and marine industry.

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 37  No.3  Issue last JUne 30,2015.