Keppel Fels has delivered the second harsh environment KFels Super A Class jackup rig, the Hercules Resilience, to Hercules Offshore.
The first KFels Super A Class rig for Hercules, Hercules Triumph, was delivered in April, and is currently working for Cairn India in the Indian Ocean drilling a high temperature, high pressure well.
Rack and Pinion System
Designed for the harsh environmental conditions of the North Sea (UK Sector), the ultra high-specification jackup rig is also able to operate efficiently in virtually all parts of the world outside Norway and the Arctic.
The Hercules Resilience's (picture below) enhanced leg design incorporates Keppel's high capacity rack and pinion jacking system which ensures that the rig is able to jack up securely in a variety of challenging environments.
Enhanced Version of the A Class
Developed by Keppel Fels' R&D arm, Offshore Technology Development (OTD), the Super A Class is an enhancement of the A Class design. The Hercules rigs have been customised to meet the requirements of Hercules Offshore and are capable of operating in water depths of 400 feet and drilling depths of 35,000 feet.
Hook Load Drilling System
The Super A Class provides higher variable load and is equipped with pinion overload detection, rack phase difference detection, and brake failure and overload protection devices. In addition to having strong drilling capabilities and cantilever load performance, the jackup has a two million pound hook load drilling system and includes a spacious deck and amenities to accommodate 150 men.
Keppel Fels has also delivered a KFels Super A Class jackup rig to Ensco and is currently building another three more for them.
Below a picture of the Hercules Resilience (by Keppel Fels). Please click the pop-out link (the little squares) at the bottom right to see the full picture.
