Keppel AmFELS Inc., the wholly-owned US subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M), says it has delivered the third of four EXL jackup rigs to a subsidiary of Rowan Companies, Inc. (Rowan) ahead of schedule and within budget.

Christened Rowan EXL-III, the rig is scheduled to depart Keppel AmFELS’ yard in Brownsville, Texas in January 2011 to commence operations on an ultra deep gas well for McMoRan Exploration Company in the Gulf of Mexico.

The ABS-classed EXL jackup design is an enhancement of the LeTourneau Super 116E model. With leg lengths of 477 ft and a capable hook load of 2,000,000 lbs, Rowan EXL-III employs state-of-the-art technology to drill high-pressure, high-temperature and extended-reach wells worldwide. It is capable of operating in water depths of 350 ft or more, and drilling to a depth of 40,000 ft.

Meanwhile, Keppel AmFELS says the construction of Rowan’s fourth jackup rig is on track for delivery in 1Q 2012.