Keppel FELS Delivers Accommodation Unit to Floatel

Keppel FELS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) has delivered Floatel Triumph, a fifth high-specification accommodation semisubmersible (semi), to Floatel International Ltd (Floatel).

The semi, which is built to Keppel's proprietary SSAUTM5000NG design, will be chartered by Chevron Corporation (CVX) for work in the Wheatstone field in Western Australia. Floatel Triumph is scheduled to arrive on location in mid-October 2016. Thereafter, it will work for INPEX Operations Australia in Ichthys Field, off Western Australia.

Mr Chris Ong, Managing Director of Keppel FELS, said, "Despite the low oil price environment, Floatel was able to secure charters for Floatel Triumph and this is a strong indication of the market's preference for the reliable and superior performance that Keppel-designed rigs bring, in addition to the operational excellence of Floatel.

"We have worked closely with Floatel to ensure the semi meets all the requirements of Chevron in the Wheatstone field. From design to engineering and execution, Keppel FELS collaborates closely with our clients to develop cost effective solutions for the market.

Developed by Keppel's Deepwater Technology Group, the SSAUTM5000NG is an enhanced design that meets the stringent UK HSE requirements to work in the UK sector of the North Sea, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil and Western Australia. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art accommodatifon and recreational facilities to provide increased comfort for its 500-person crew.

Keppel FELS previously delivered Floatel Superior, Floatel Reliance, Floatel Victory and Floatel Endurance, to Floatel. Floatel Reliance and Floatel Victory are also built to the SSAUTM design while Floatel Superior and Floatel Endurance are built to Keppel's proprietary DSSTM 20NS design. Floatel Victory is currently in operations for BP at the Clair Ridge field, West of Shetlands, United Kingdom.

Floating accommodation platforms are needed to provide additional living quarters for drilling and production personnel. Such support is required during hook-up and commissioning in the development phase, for maintenance and upgrading during the production phase, as well as for decommissioning.