Rosneft, Keppel FELS Limited, MH Wirth AS and the companies’ joint venture Antares signed Heads of Agreements in respect of anchor design order of offshore drilling units, Rosneft says in a press release.
The document, signed in accordance with the Shareholders Agreement, concluded in May, 2016, defines anchor projects to be pursued by Zvezda-Keppel Design and Engineering Center. The primary focus of the Center, as agreed by the Parties, will be offshore drilling rigs, to be built jointly by Keppel FELS and Zvezda Shipbuilding complex in Primorskiy Region of the Russian Federation.
The placement of the anchor projects will secure expertise development and competence boost for Russian specialists.
Moreover, the parties announced the registration of JV Zvezda-Keppel Design and Engineering Center LLC with headquarters in Moscow.
Commenting the signed document, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, said: “Today we reached another important milestone in the development of the shipbuilding cluster in the Far East of Russia. Our joint engineering center will perform the technical design of advanced offshore drilling rigs. This will lead to the formation of a unique innovative venue in the Russian Far East – an R&D-hub for the transfer and creation of state-of-the-art technologies for the development of the enormous Russian offshore hydrocarbon potential. Moreover, in cooperation with Keppel and MH Wirth we will also implement cutting edge methods of Russian specialists training. This will allow us boosting the domestic shipbuilding industry’s staff expertise. Finally, the collaboration with industry leaders will allow the drilling rigs produced to have a significant marketing potential on global markets”.
On August 10, 2016 a private limited liability company Antares Singapore Pte. Ltd. was established on the territory of the Republic of Singapore under strategic partnership agreement between Rosneft (45%), Northstar investments Pte. Ltd. (45%), MHWirth (10%), its subsidiary Zvezda-Keppel Design and Engineering Center LLC was established on August 25, 2016 in Russian Federation for floating drilling rigs designing and further construction at Zvezda shipyard.
Main activity areas of the Center will be: technical designing and engineering commercial activity for offshore marine drilling rigs, designing and engineering of drilling rigs basic equipment, maximum application of technologies and equipment localization opportunities as related to Rosneft offshore projects and support technical services, all within currently permitted non-sanctioned activities.
Keppel Offshore&Marine – company owned by Keppel Corporation Limited, global leader in designing, construction and repairs of marine drilling rigs and specialized shipbuilding. The company combines and uses the expertise and the experience of 20 shipyards and offices worldwide to be closer to the clients and markets. Keppel O&M strives to provide high quality in any aspect of its business by innovative approach and effective management to resolve the tasks.
MH Wirth - global leading provider of drilling services and solutions, developed to secure most secure, efficient and reliable alternative for the company clients. Company target - unprecedented commitment to quality and economic benefit for the shareholders and clients.