Ensco International Inc., Dallas, (NYSE: ESV) has received the Ensco 8500, first of six 8500-series deepwater drilling rigs from Keppel Fels Ltd. The six rigs cost $2.5 billion.

The rig will work for Anadarko Petroleum Corp. and ENI in the Gulf of Mexico. The 8500-series rigs can drill in up to 8,500 feet of water, and can be upgraded to 10,000 feet.

“We are pleased with the excellent job by Keppel Fels on our first Ensco 8500-series semisubmersible,” says Ensco chief executive Dan Rabun. “As she takes on her maiden assignment in the Gulf of Mexico, the Ensco 8500 will be a showpiece of the quality and capabilities of our new deepwater fleet under construction at Keppel Fels.”

In the past decade, Keppel has delivered nine new jackup rigs to Ensco says Choo Chiau Beng, chief executive of Keppel Offshore and Marine Ltd., “As Ensco pursues a prominent position in deepwater drilling, we want to be there to support our valued partner. The rich collective experience and insights we have gained on the Ensco 8500 semi will certainly enhance the engineering and construction efficiency of the next five units to come.” JAS