Gulf Drilling International Ltd. (GDI) of Qatar has awarded contracts to Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) to build two high-specification KFELS B Class Bigfoot jack-up rigs from returning customer, worth about US$393 million.

These latest contracts follow closely after Keppel FELS was awarded a new-build jack-up rig contract by one of GDI's Shareholders, Japan Drilling Company, in March this year.

Scheduled for delivery in the third quarters of 2013 and 2014, the two latest rigs mark GDI's first new orders in six years, and will increase the company's jackup fleet count to seven units.

Mr. Tong Chong Heong, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M) said, "We are pleased to work with GDI again, having successfully delivered two KFELS B Class jack-up rigs to them previously. On top of its newbuilding contracts with Keppel FELS, GDI also sends its rigs for repairs and upgrades at Nakilat-Keppel Offshore & Marine, our joint venture shipyard with Qatar Gas Transport Company.

"Our Near Market, Near Customer strategy enables us to develop a keen understanding of our customers' businesses and tailor products and services to meet their needs. Repeat customers are a vindication of the quality and reliability that Keppel O&M provides, and the effectiveness of its proprietary designs. We look forward to supporting GDI as they expand their offshore fleet and presence in the Middle East."

Customized to GDI's requirements, the new jackup rigs will be designed to operate in the higher ambient temperature of the Middle East. The KFELS B Class Bigfoot is equipped with larger spud cans for reduced bearing pressure and expands its operational coverage in more places, especially areas where soft soil is predominant. GDI's new rigs also feature an enhanced leg design for added robustness.

Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Chairman of GDI, said: "The two new hi-tech premium jack-up rigs under order from KFELS will be welcome additions to GDI's fleet. They will serve as the cornerstone of an expansion plan that is geared to increasing GDI's share of the Qatar drilling market. GDI is driven to become a key provider of drilling rig services and to be the drilling contractor of choice in Qatar. Our commitment to both safety and performance is unwavering and these new rigs will enhance our ability to perform safely, efficiently and cost effectively. We look forward to receiving a high quality product from KFELS and to continuing our association with them."

Mr Ibrahim J. Al-Othman, Chief Executive Officer of GDI, said, "GDI has become the leader of Qatar's drilling market in a matter of just six years. The decision to select KFELS was carefully considered after taking into account factors such as rig design, rig equipment, experience in building jack-up rigs, reliability, timing, cost and post construction support. We believe they produce a technically superior rig and we are very pleased to be adding two more of their rigs to our fleet."

"Keppel FELS is our trusted partner as they have proven themselves time and again with high quality projects delivered safely, on time and within budget. We have a win-win relationship with them and the new rigs will enable GDI to expand its premium rig fleet to meet needs of our customers in the Arabian Gulf promptly and reliably."

GDI has been pleased with the KFELS' rig design, workmanship and ability to stay on schedule. Their reputation as being one of the premier builders of jack-up rigs worldwide is well deserved and GDI is expecting the new rigs once again to be of the highest quality. Each rig will have a full 15,000 psi BOP system, 75' cantilever outreach and be able to accommodate 150 persons.

GDI is a world-class drilling service provider offering safe, efficient and innovative drilling services. On May 18, 2004 GDI, was established as the first onshore and offshore oil and gas drilling company in Qatar. GDI was formed as a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum (QP 60%), Qatar's national oil corporation, and Japan Drilling Co., Ltd. (JDC 40%), a Japanese drilling company with more than 40 years of offshore experience. The paid-up capital was US$ 103.2 million.

In July 2007, QP acquired another 25% of JDC shares raising their ownership in GDI to 70%. On 12th February 2008, the shares of QP were transferred to Gulf International Services (q.s.c.) (GIS) which became a public shareholding company on 26th May 2008 and is listed on the Qatar Exchange. GIS now holds 70% of the shares of GDI.

Tags: Gulf Drilling International Ltd., Keppel FELS Limited