Keppel, Ensco name new semisubmersible drilling rig
March 30, 2009
Keppel FELS and Ensco International have named a new ultra deepwater semisubmersible drilling rig, ENSCO 8501.
Offshore staff
SINGAPORE -- Keppel FELS and Ensco International have named a new ultra deepwater semisubmersible drilling rig, ENSCO 8501. The vessel is the second in a series of seven deepwater semis to be constructed by Keppel FELS for Ensco International.
TheENSCO 8501 is capable of drilling in 8,500 ft (2,591 m) of water, and can be upgraded to 10,000 ft (3,048 m) water-depth capability if required. It has a drilling depth of 35,000 ft (10,668 m) and can accommodate up to 150 men.
When delivered in the middle of the year, the semisubmersible will be contracted to Noble and Nexen for operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
