Keppel FELS says it has secured a contract worth about US$416 million ($532 million) from Discovery Offshore S.A. (Discovery Offshore) to construct two harsh environment jackup rigs based on KFELS’s Super A Class design.

The rigs are scheduled for delivery in 1H and 2H 2013 respectively. The construction, marketing and operation of both units will be managed by Nasdaq-listed Hercules Offshore, Inc., which is a leading global operator of jackup and liftboat assets.

Discovery Offshore has options to order two additional jackup units as part of its contract with Keppel FELS. If exercised, the options for the additional units will bring the total contract value to above US$840 million.

Customised to meet the requirements of Discovery Offshore for high-specification jackups that can be safely deployed in most areas worldwide, the rigs will be capable of operating in water depths of 400 feet and drilling depths of 35,000 feet.