National Joint - Stock Company "Naftogaz of Ukraine" selected Keppel FELS Limited (Singapore) as a winner of two semisubmersible drilling rigs tender

On November 16, 2012, National Joint - Stock Company "Naftogaz of Ukraine" selected Keppel FELS Limited (Singapore) as a winner of the tender for two semi-submersible marine drilling rigs (SSDR) construction The cost of Keppel FELS Ltd. proposal is 1.226 bln. USD. The corresponding meeting of "Naftogaz of Ukraine" Tender Committee took place today in the Company’s office in Kiev. The Deputy Chairman of the Board of "Naftogaz of Ukraine" Vadym Chuprun and the representatives of mass media were present at the meeting.
According to its proposal, Keppel FELS Limited is to construct two semi-submersible drilling rigs and to complete with all the necessary equipment for drilling at sea depths up to 1,000 m. Both SSDRs are to be delivered not later than December 31, 2014.

The rigs will be customized for the Black Sea environment and harsh weather conditions, including extreme freezing temperatures and storms with strong winds. For that reason, standard design of the rig was augmented, in particular, durable steel grades with increased thickness will be used for the hull and pontoons of the rig. Moreover, advanced heating systems to prevent equipment and pipe freezing as well as air conditioning and ventilation systems for both living and industrial premises will be installed.

Reference.
In September 2012, "Naftogaz of Ukraine" announced an open tender for construction and supply of two semi-submersible marine drilling rigs and sent invitations to fifteen international companies. Another five international companies addressed “Naftogaz of Ukraine" by their own initiative with the request for tender documentation.

Tender proposals for two semi-submersible marine drilling rigs construction were submitted by the following companies: Rigas Kugu Buvetava (Latvia, cost of the proposal 1.3996 billion USD), Keppel FELS Limited (Singapore, cost of the proposal 1.226 billion USD), Magic Worldwide LTD (Belize, cost of the proposal 1.5 billion USD), Aida Holding Ltd (Belize, cost of the proposal 1.4 billion USD).

"Chornomornaftogaz" has already purchased two Class B jackup rigs "Peter Godovanets" and "Nezalezhnist". "Peter Godovanets" has been already working at Odessa natural gas field in the Black Sea for more than half a year. "Nezalezhnist" will be delivered to Ukraine and start working by the end of the year. The underwater gas pipeline from Odessa field has been recently constructed to transport natural gas to the shore and further to consumers in the Crimea.