AMFELS Lays New Keel For Central Tonala Jackup Rig

AMFELS Inc. has laid the keel for new jackup rig, Central Tonala, one month ahead of schedule. The US$83 million contract for the rig was signed in April 2002 with Perforadora Central SA de CV. Central Tonala is a KFELS MOD V "B" class jack-up, enhanced with Keppel's proprietary jacking and fixation systems developed by its research and technology arm, Offshore Technology Development.

At the keel laying ceremony Perforadora Central's Vice President for Marine Drilling Division said, "We are very pleased with the progress of the construction of Central Tonala, which is ahead of schedule. AMFELS has shown total commitment and excellent project management in the project."

In response, Mr CY Ho, President of AMFELS, expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and team spirit shown by Perforadora Central's construction team in enabling this milestone to be achieved. Due for delivery in the first quarter of 2004, Central Tonala is the fourth "B" class rig ordered in two years, reflecting customers' confidence in Keppel's design, engineering and construction capabilities.

The first "B" class, Chiles Discovery was delivered by Keppel FELS in Singapore. Its sister rig, Chiles Galileo, now under construction at AMFELS for the same owner, Chiles Offshore Inc is due in September 2002. The third rig, Atwood Beacon, is currently being built in Keppel FELS for Atwood Oceanics Pacific Limited and is expected to be delivered in June 2003.

Central Tonala incorporates modern engineering features to improve productivity, enhance safety, and provide added independence from supply lines and environmental conditions. It can drill in water depths up to 375 feet and is well suited for the environmental conditions of the Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico.