Keppel set to deliver three new jackups to Mexico’s Grupo R
Keppel FELS held a triple rig-naming ceremony at its Singapore yard on 30 May for three identical rigs to be delivered to Mexican company Grupo R. The rigs – built to the KFELS B class design – were named CANTARELL I, CANTARELL II and CANTARELL III after the Cantarell oil field offshore Mexico. They are the first three of five rigs that Keppel FELS is building for Grupo R.
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.”
The KFELS B Class jackup is designed to operate in water depths of up to 400 ft and drill to depths of 30,000 ft. 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 people.
Chow Yew Yuen, CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine, 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 maximize 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 these three Grupo R rigs are delivered, there will be 11 KFELS B class rigs working in Mexico, Mr Chow said. “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.”
Keppel has delivered projects to Mexico since 2004, when it was awarded a contract to build two accommodation modules. Besides building new jackups for Mexico, Keppel has also repaired and serviced a total of 18 rigs that have been deployed in Mexico.
