Keppel FELS Limited, Singapore, has named an ultra-deepwater semisubmersible 'Ensco 8501'.
This is the second in a series of seven deepwater semis to be constructed by Keppel FELS for Ensco International Incorporated (Ensco), USA.
'Ensco 8501' will be chartered by Noble Energy (Noble) and Nexen Petroleum (Nexen). The first deepwater rig, 'Ensco 8500', was delivered in June 2008.
'Ensco 8501' was named in the presence of Senior Minister of State (SMS) for National Development, Grace Fu, by Lanita C Weisinger, wife of Don Weisinger, Drilling Manager (Southern Region) at Noble Energy.
"Despite the global financial turmoil and volatile oil prices, the long-term outlook for the oil and gas industry remains good, with sustained energy demand coming from both developed and emerging economies," said SMS Fu.
"For this reason, national and international oil companies are continuing with their exploration and production investments to boost future reserves. However, competition is expected to be very stiff. To thrive, offshore companies…have to stay focused on managing the market changes with flexible and innovative measures."
Dan Rabun, Chairman, President and CEO of Ensco said that the first of the seven new Ensco 8500 series ultra-deepwater semis was currently under going deepwater sea trials prior to commencement of operations. He added that Ensco expected all seven rigs would be delivered by 2012.
The 'Ensco 8501' is capable of drilling in 8,500 feet (2,590 metres) of water, and can be upgraded to 3,048-metre water depth capability if required. It has a drilling depth of 10,650 metres and can accommodate up to 150 men.
When delivered in the middle of the year, it will be contracted to Noble and Nexen for operation in the Gulf of Mexico. The energy rich region covers an area of about 1.5 million square kilometres and is bounded by the United States of America, Mexico and Cuba.
