Keppel Kazakhstan LLP (Keppel Kazakhstan), a unit of Keppel Corporation Limited through Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), has launched transportation barge AKKU1, built for Agip Kazakhstan North Caspian Operating Company N.V. (Agip KCO).
The launch marks a significant milestone as AKKU1 is the first offshore vessel ever built in Kazakhstan. His Excellency Mr Nursultan A Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, graced the launching ceremony as the Guest-of-Honour.
AKKU1 is one of four barges that Keppel Kazakhstan is constructing for Agip KCO. It is 92 metres long, 30 metres broad, and 6 metres deep, equipped with auto ballasting system to facilitate skid-on/skid-off operations. Delivery of this barge is expected within this year. Thereafter, the remaining parts of the contract which include the other barges, the pipe racks and other structures will be delivered progressively.
The project was awarded last year at approximately US$150 million. It will support the development of the Kashagan oil field.