The Singapore-based outfit reported a net profit of SGD 230mfor the three months to 31 March, up by SGD 22m from SGD 207m for the same period in the prior year.

Keppel, which specialises in rigbuilding, conversions andshiprepair, booked sales of SGD 1.9bn in the first quarter compared to SGD1.7bn a year earlier.

The company’s net orderbook sits at a record high of SGD14.4bn