SINGAPORE: Keppel FELS has secured a contract to build an ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig from a unit of ENSCO International.

The deal is worth US$512 million (S$695 million).

The vessel will be delivered in the second half of 2011 and is the fifth consecutive semi-sub rig that Keppel FELS is constructing for ENSCO.

The rig can drill in up to 8,500 feet of water.

ENSCO is expanding its deepwater fleet to meet sustained market demand.

The Dallas, USA-based company owns and operates a fleet of offshore drilling rigs servicing the petroleum industry on a global basis.

Keppel FELS is a wholly-owned unit of Keppel Corporation. - CNA/vm