ENSCO has ordered two new ultra-premium harsh environment jack-up rigs from Keppel FELS of Singapore.
The $440million fixed-price, with options, deal includes commissioning, system integrated-testing and project management.
The first North Sea capable rig is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2013, and the second in Q4 2013.
The options cover two additional jack-ups of the same design at similar terms that must be exercised by August 2.
The new jack-ups will be enhanced versions of the KFELS Super A design capable of operating in water depths to 122m (400ft). The design features of the rigs are expected to significantly increase the area of operability in the central North Sea and other harsh environment regions.
With high-temperature, high-pressure equipment, a significantly improved cantilever envelope, 2.5million pounds quad derrick, fully automated hands-free offline pipe-handling systems, ultra-high capacity jacking and fixation systems, 150-person quarters and strict noise and ergonomic standards, these rigs feature equipment and capabilities previously found only in the largest ultra-harsh environment jack-up fleet. They also set a new standard in the harsh environment category.
According to Ensco, they are expected to provide unprecedented value through increased drilling efficiencies for large multi-well platforms, ultra-deep gas programmes, or ultra-long reach wells to 12,200m (40,000ft).
London-based Mark Burns, Ensco’s senior VP, said: “We continue to execute on our long-established strategy of high-grading our jack-up fleet by investing in new equipment.