Ensco’s preferred partner – (From left) Mr Bob Isaac, Ensco’s Associate General Counsel and Mr Michael Chia, Keppel FELS’s Executive Director at the delivery of ENSCO 8501.

Keppel FELS Limited (Keppel FELS) has delivered ENSCO 8501, the second of seven ENSCO 8500 Series® ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles (semis) being built for a subsidiary of longtime customer, Ensco International Incorporated (NYSE:ESV) (Ensco).

ENSCO 8501 is contracted for operations in the Gulf of Mexico over a period of 3 1/2 years. Keppel FELS delivered the first deepwater rig of this Series, ENSCO 8500, in September 2008.

Mr. Dan Rabun, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ensco, said, "We are pleased with the successful completion of ENSCO 8501, made possible by the excellent teamwork and synergy with our preferred partner Keppel FELS.

“The delivery of our second ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rig in the ENSCO 8500 Series® is an important milestone in our deepwater expansion programme. We anticipate a smooth startup of operations following final outfitting, sea trials and deep water acceptance testing once ENSCO 8501 arrives in the Gulf of Mexico.”

ENSCO 8501 is expected to commence drilling operations in October 2009.

Mr. Tong Chong Heong, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd, parent company of Keppel FELS, said, “Keppel and Ensco have enjoyed an enduring partnership for nearly 15 years, during which we have worked closely to build up and renew Ensco’s rig fleet. The incident-free delivery of ENSCO 8501 is the hallmark of our win-win relationship with Ensco and Keppel FELS’s continuous drive for operational excellence.

“As the exclusive builder of Ensco’s 8500 Series® semis, we are confident that this fine fleet will raise the benchmark for cost-effective ultra-deepwater drilling.”

The ENSCO 8500 Series® of ultra-deepwater rigs are capable of drilling in 8,500 ft of water, and may be further upgraded to 10,000 ft water-depth capability. They also have a drilling depth of 35,000 ft and can accommodate up to 150 workers.

Suitable for deployment in deepwater fields worldwide, the ENSCO 8500 Series® streamlines operational functionality, training, spare part requirements, repairs and maintenance to control costs and enhance the overall reliability of rig operations.

Ensco International Incorporated (NYSE:ESV) brings energy to the world as a global provider of offshore drilling services to the petroleum industry. With a fleet of ultra-deepwater semisubmersible and premium jackup drilling rigs, Ensco serves customers with high-quality equipment, a well-trained workforce and a strong record of safety and reliability. To learn more about Ensco, please visit www.enscointernational.com.

Keppel FELS is a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), a wholly-owned company of Keppel Corporation Limited. Keppel O&M is a leader in offshore rigs, 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 in solutions for the offshore and marine industry.