SINGAPORE'S Keppel Corp , the world's biggest maker of offshore oil rigs, said on Thursday it is prepared to help in the restructuring of a customer that has placed orders worth about $1.7 billion with Keppel.

The customer, Norwegian firm Skeie Drilling & Production , said in a June 2 announcement on its website that it had missed payments on rigs it had ordered and that it was in breach of an agreement with bondholders.

Skeie hopes to get a majority of bondholders to approve a restructuring proposal by Thursday, the announcement said.

Skeie officials could not be reached immediately for comment.

'Keppel FELS is supportive of and participating in this restructuring exercise. Once two-thirds of the bondholders agree, then the restructuring will proceed as stated,' a Keppel spokesman said. Keppel FELS is a unit of Keppel Corp.

Keppel is proceeding with the construction of the three rigs ordered by Skeie, she added. -- THOMSON REUTERS