Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) has delivered its fourth jackup rig, "Dukhan", to Gulf Drilling International Ltd. q.s.c. (GDI) of Qatar nine days ahead of schedule, on budget and with a perfect safety record.

“Dukhan” is a high specification rig built to Keppel’s proprietary KFELS B Class design. Keppel FELS has previously delivered three similar jackup rigs to GDI; "Al Khor", "Al Zubarah" and "Les-hat".

Mr Wong Kok Seng Managing Director (Offshore) of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) and Keppel FELS said, “We are pleased to deliver another major project to GDI early, on budget and to their highest satisfaction. It is a result of the strong partnership we have built with GDI over the years on a variety of projects. Repeat customers are a testament to the quality of Keppel O&M's products and services as well as the effectiveness of our proprietary designs. I am confident that "Dukhan" will be just as successful for GDI as the three rigs we have delivered to them since 2006.

“In addition, our shipyard in Qatar, Nakilat-Keppel O&M (N-KOM), is also supporting GDI with the repair and maintenance of their rig fleet. N-KOM has recently secured a contract to build a customised liftboat for GDI. We look forward to supporting GDI as they expand their offshore fleet and presence in the Middle East.”

Customised for GDI with features that enable it to work anywhere in Qatar, "Dukhan" will be chartered to Qatar Petroleum for five years. The KFELS B Class is equipped with larger spud cans for reduced bearing pressure which expands its operational coverage, especially in sea beds where soft soil is predominant. It includes a 15,000 PSI choke system for well control and can drill wells through 30,000 ft with a cantilever that can skid out 75 ft from the edge of the hull to drill wells. It also features offline stand building and 7,500 PSI mud pumps.

Besides the four jackup rigs Keppel has built for GDI, N-KOM, its joint venture shipyard with Qatar Gas Transport Company, is constructing a self-propelled and self-elevating liftboat customised for GDI. N-KOM has also been awarded a six-year repair and maintenance contract for GDI’s fleet of jackup rigs operating in the Middle East.

About Gulf Drilling International Ltd. q.s.c. (GDI)

GDI was established as the first onshore and offshore oil and gas drilling company in Qatar in 2004. It was created to strengthen the indigenous capacity of the upstream sector in Qatar. GDI is owned by Gulf International Services q.s.c. (GIS) the largest oilfield service company in Qatar. GDI is a 100% local company today and is already the drilling contractor of choice.

GDI is a rapidly growing company that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. It started with a single client using one land rig and one offshore rig. Today, GDI has 6 land rigs, 9 offshore jack-up rigs, 1 accommodation jack-up and one Liftboat in operation. GDI is focused on growth through both expansion and diversification of its core business with the intent of providing a wider menu of products to its clients.

GDI’s client portfolio has expanded to include International Companies like, Occidental Petroleum, Maersk Oil, Shell QatarServices, RasGas, Qatargas, Dolphin Energy and JX Nippon in addition to their biggest client - Qatar Petroleum.

GDI has over 1600 employees to run their business, with extensive support facilities, like accommodation, warehouses, workshops and open storage yards. It also has major equipment like cranes and water well units that are necessary to ensure that operations are conducted smoothly and efficiently.

About Keppel FELS

Keppel FELS is a 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, repair and construction, 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.