Keppel FELS has secured a contract worth $260m from Floatel International to build a new-generation accommodation semi-submersible drill rig that can house 500 people.

Keppel O&M’s Deepwater Technology Group will build the new rig based on the SSAU4000NG design with Dynamic Positioning (DP) 3 capability.

The SSAU4000NG is an upgrade of the SSAU 3600 design, with better capability and operability, to meet UK HSE requirements.

The enhanced station-keeping rig is capable of operating alongside fixed platforms, floating platforms and floating production storage and offloading vessels, with a full complement of deck cranes and fire-fighting capabilities, according to Keppel.

Delivery of the rig is scheduled in the first quarter of 2014.< /p>