Keppel FELS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) is on track to deliver a fifth high-specification accommodation semisubmersible (semi) to Floatel International Ltd (Floatel) on time, on budget and with a perfect safety record.

The semi, which is built to Keppel's proprietary SSAU5000NG design, was named Floatel Triumph during a ceremony held earlier today. It will be chartered by INPEX Operations Australia for work in Ichthys Field, off Western Australia.

Mr Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director of Keppel O&M (Offshore) and Keppel FELS, said, 'We are pleased to deliver a fifth accommodation vessel to Floatel safely, on time and on budget. As a leading designer, builder and repairer of mobile offshore rigs, we are able to provide the highest quality and most cost effective solutions that are customised to suit our clients' needs. This includes non-drilling solutions, like accommodation vessels and offshore maintenance platforms.

'Our yards remain busy for the rest of the year, with a number of deliveries in the pipeline. As we ride through this challenging period in the offshore and marine industry, we continue to work closely with our quality customers to ensure that we deliver projects to their highest satisfaction.'

Developed by Keppel's Deepwater Technology Group, the SSAU5000NG 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 accommodation and recreational facilities to provide increased comfort for its 500-person crew.

Mr Peter Jacobsson, CEO of Floatel, added, 'Each of the accommodation vessels that Keppel has delivered to Floatel has been performing very well. They are uniquely designed to provide superior stability, safety and living conditions, meeting the stringent rules and regulations for worldwide operations. Just like its sister rigs, we are fully confident that Floatel Triumph will serve us well and we look forward to more win-win partnerships with Keppel.

'Despite the current challenging environment, all our vessels continue to receive strong demand and have high utilisation rates. In the current oil price environment, sustaining production levels is key for oil companies, and accommodation units are required as they reduce downtime during periods of essential maintenance. Douglas Westwood forecasts that growth in the offshore accommodation market for units supporting operational activities will be sustained at 3% CAGR from 2015 to 2020.'

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 SSAU design and the latter is currently in operations for BP at Clair Ridge Field, West of Shetland, United Kingdom. Floatel Reliance has recently completed its contract with Petrobras in Brazil. Floatel Superior and Floatel Endurance are built to Keppel's proprietary DSS 20NS design and have been chartered to Premier in Solan Field, United Kingdom and Chevron in Wheatstone Field, Australia respectively.

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.

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About Floatel International Ltd
Floatel International Ltd. was established in 2006 to satisfy a market demand for a new generation of offshore floatels. The Mission of the Company is to be the preferred choice by providing flexible solutions with high quality and the best possible performance - always putting safety first.

Floatel International AB is a management company responsible for construction supervision and operational management for and on behalf of the Owner, Floatel International Ltd. For further information about Floatel International group of companies, please visit its website at: www.floatel.bm

About Keppel FELS
Keppel FELS is a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited. Keppel FELS is a leading designer, builder and repairer of high-performance mobile offshore rigs. Its portfolio of proprietary designs and floating production solutions meets a broad spectrum of operating requirements, including deep waters and harsh environments.

As a group, Keppel O&M is also a leader in ship repair and conversion, and specialised shipbuilding. Its near market, near customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of 20 yards and offices in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions. Integrating the experience and expertise of its yards worldwide, the group aims to be the provider of choice and partner for solutions for the offshore and marine industry. For more information on Keppel FELS, visit www.keppelfels.com

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations

Ms Jayne Yeo
Executive
Group Corporate Communications
Keppel Corporation Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 6296 / 9048 5022
Email: jayne.yeo@kepcorp.com

Investor Relations

Ms Ivana Chua
Assistant General Manager
Group Corporate Communications
Keppel Corporation Limited
Tel: (65) 6413 6436
Email: ivana.chua@kepcorp.com

Keppel Corporation Ltd. issued this content on 11 March 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 11 March 2016 04:40:06 UTC

Original Document: http://www.kepcorp.com/en/news_item.aspx?sid=6291