MAERSK Drilling, a member of the AP Moller-Maersk Group, has ordered two ultra harsh, high capacity jack-up drilling rigs from Keppel FELS in Singapore.

The first rig is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2013, with the second rig following seven months later. The total cost for the two rigs is US$1.2 billion. This includes turnkey contract with the yard, owner furnished equipment, project management, commissioning, start-up costs and capitalised interest.

The contract includes the option for the construction of one additional jack-up rig to be declared by July 2011, a company statement said.

"The decision to invest in additional offshore drilling rigs is based on our strong view on the fundamentals of the offshore drilling industry and our ambition to further strengthen our position in the markets we have chosen to be in," said A.P. Moller-Maersk Group CEO, Nils Andersen.

The rigs are said to be especially suited for operation in the harsh environment of the North Sea at water depths up to 150 metres. The high capacity features include offline pipe handling and simultaneous operations as well as an enlarged cantilever reach, which is expected to significantly increase drilling efficiency compared to conventional units. The enhanced design also includes multi-machine control on the drill floor, to allow for a degree of automation and to ensure a safe operation and consistent performance. A total of 150 people can be accommodated on board in single cabins.

Claus Hemmingsen, CEO of Maersk Drilling said, "These rigs are designed to meet the customers' increasing demand for safe and highly efficient drilling operations and the enhanced features of this design will make the rigs superior to other rigs in the market."

The new rigs are targeted for the Norwegian market and will comply with the strict regulatory rules in Norway. "We believe in continued strong demand for high capacity jack-up rigs on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and have a strong track record since 1989 of operating in this challenging environment.