Keppel FELS Ltd has secured an order for an ultra deepwater semisubmersible drilling rig from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ensco International Inc. The semi, Ensco 8503, will be the fourth semi constructed at Keppel FELS for ENSCO. Delivery is scheduled for 3Q 2010. The Keppel yard is constructing three semis for Ensco: Ensco 8500, to be delivered in 2Q 2008; Ensco 8501, to be delivered in 1Q 2009; and Ensco 8502, to be delivered at the end of 2009. The Ensco 8500 and Ensco 8501 are both committed under long-term drilling contracts that begin upon delivery. The Ensco 8503 ultra deepwater semi rig, like her sister rigs, is based on Ensco’s proprietary design, the Ensco 8500 series, which is an enhanced version of the Ensco 7500 design. The 8500 series rigs will be able to drill in 8500ft water depth and can be upgraded to 10,000ft water depth if required. Enhancements include a 2 million pound quad derrick, offline pipe handling capability, increased drilling capacity, greater variable deck load, and improved automatic station keeping ability. The rigs will be suited for deepwater development drilling, Ensco says.
