Offshore staff

SYDNEY, Australia – Kenai Offshore Ventures has contracted Keppel FELS Shipyard in Singapore for repair and modifications of the jackup Endeavour, ahead of a drilling program offshore Alaska for Buccaneer Energy.

The rig is in dry dock undergoing the first stage of the program, with completion expected in the next 10 days. Stage 2 will start in January 2012 and will involve upgrades to the accommodation quarters, blasting and painting of surfaces, winterization measures, and refurbishment of tanks and piping systems.

Around 30 other contractors are assessing and/or dismantling drilling equipment for assessment, to determine what further work needs to be completed. Most of this work is being done by the original equipment manufacturers, the majority of which have workshops in Singapore.

When completed, the Endeavour should be back to full operational capability and capable of drilling in the Cook Inlet off Alaska.

The rig’s capabilities include: 
• Operable in water depths up to 300 ft (91 m) 
• Constructed of -10°C (14°F) rated steel allowing it to work safely in the range of environmental conditions in the Arctic, including the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea offshore the North Slope 
• Two sets of BOPS, 10,000 and 15,000 psi (689/1,034 bar), allowing the rig to drill high pressure horizons prevalent in the Cook Inlet 
• Cantilever beam extensions enhancing the rig’s ability to work over existing platforms in the Cook Inlet for drilling and repair operations 
• A high variable deck load rating of 8,300 KLBS, allowing the rig to operate with extra equipment and materials onboard, if support services are limited.

12/21/2011