Maersk Contractors declares the option for a third deepwater development semi-submersible
  by: OilOnline
  Thursday, May 18, 2006

Maersk has declared the option for a third deepwater development semi-submersible at Keppel FELS limited in Singapore. The new rig is expected to be delivered in March 2010.

Similar to its sister rigs the rig will be able to operate at water depths of up to 10,000 ft and is designed for areas such as offshore West Africa, Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Asia.

Great emphasis has been made on improving the drilling efficiency on the new rigs, which are particularly well suited for deepwater development drilling.

The rig features a dynamic positioning system as well as the ability to attach to a pre-laid mooring system. 180 people can be accommodated onboard.

The design is based on operational experiences gained from other deepwater semi-submersibles and incorporates a number of innovative ideas from our potential customers.

Claus V. Hemmingsen, CEO, Maersk Contractors comments: “Exploration in deeper water by Oil Companies has turned out good results and now enters the development phase. In a response to our customers’ request for maximum value for money, we have – together with Keppel FELS, Singapore and Marine Structure Consultants, Holland – designed a high efficiency rig to support our customers’ ambitions”.

“We have awarded the contract to Keppel FELS based on past experience and their proven reputation to deliver on time. We believe that we have an excellent team for our expansion in the deepwater market.”