Keppel FELS says it has secured new contracts worth about US$101 million ($134 million) to complete and refurbish two semisubmersible drilling rigs respectively for Saipem S.p.A and Ensco plc.

The first contract was awarded by Saipem S.p.A for the commissioning of Frigstad D90 semisubmersible rig, Scarabeo 9. A significant part of the workscope involves the commissioning of all marine and drilling sub-systems onboard.

Equipped with a Dynamic Positioning 3 system, this rig will be able to operate at a water depth of 3600 metres. Scarabeo 9 is slated to depart from a Chinese yard and arrive in Keppel FELS towards the end of October 2010.

The second contract was awarded by a subsidiary of Ensco plc for the upgrade, repair and refurbishment of its proprietary Ensco 7500 semisubmersible rig.

Major work done include significant life extension work, renewing steel and pipes, operational enhancements, overhauling machinery and expanding and updating the living quarters.

Ensco 7500 has arrived at Keppel FELS, after fulfilling its drilling contract with Chevron in Perth, Western Australia.