Naming ceremony of jackup rig “Nezalezhnist” which will operate at offshore of Ukraine was held at Keppel Fels on 20 June.
Ceremony was attended by delegation of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and SJC Chornomornaftogaz headed by Y. Bakulin Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz, management and employees of Keppel group of companies, journalists, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited to Singapore, staff of Ukrainian Embassy and Ambassador of Singapore to Ukraine.
Y. Bakulin in his welcome address highlighted the tasks assigned to Naftogaz by the Government of Ukraine: "It is agreed with Keppel group of companies to cooperate in developing shelf of the Azov and Black Sea by developing oil and gas fields which will enhance energy independence of Ukraine. Mutual understanding was reached on engagement of resources and technologies of Keppel on mutually beneficial basis."
Wong Kok Seng CEO Keppel FELS noted that “Nezalezhnist” embodies best up to date technical solutions and safety, and partnership with Naftogaz lays ground for long-term collaboration between Singaporean and Ukrainian companies in this field.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Singapore P. Sultansky in his speech, emphasized on the strategic importance of the sustainable energy independence of Ukraine, which largely depends on the success of drilling rigs built in Singapore, and mutually beneficial quality of cooperation between Naftogaz and Keppel.
It is assumed that the rig will arrive to the territorial waters of Ukraine to the place of its location in November 2012.
The event was widely covered by Singapore media.