Noble Corporation has secured a three-well drilling contract with bp for its semi-submersible unit Noble GreatWhite, which will operate in UK waters as part of a new offshore campaign in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, the contract will have an estimated duration of 150 to 210 days and includes a day rate of $320,000, in addition to a mobilization fee of $5 million. Work is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027.
Offshore Drilling Contract Strengthens Noble’s Presence in the North Sea
The award will allow Noble to maintain continuity of its operations in Northern Europe before the unit begins its next contractual commitment with Aker BP ASA in Norway.
This strengthens the company’s activity in one of the world’s most important offshore markets, where demand for specialized drilling services in complex environments continues to grow.
Furthermore, the agreement consolidates the commercial relationship between Noble and bp, one of the energy companies with the largest presence in exploration and production projects in British waters.
Noble GreatWhite to Adopt New Name
As part of this new operational phase, Noble confirmed that the semi-submersible Noble GreatWhite will be renamed Noble Claus Bachmann before the start of the activities planned under this contract.
The decision seeks to honor Claus Bachmann for his contribution and legacy within the organization.
Blake Denton, Noble’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Contracts, highlighted the significance of the agreement and the recognition granted to Bachmann.
“This contract represents the expansion of our reach with a key client ahead of operations in Norway with Aker BP. We are equally proud to honor Claus Bachmann’s lasting impact on Noble by renaming the Noble GreatWhite as Noble Claus Bachmann before operations commence. This recognition underscores a career defined by consistency, trust, and sustained performance.”
Offshore Operations Outlook
The incorporation of this drilling program contributes to optimizing Noble’s fleet utilization and ensures an operational transition between contracts in the North Sea region.
In addition to the economic value associated with the day rate and mobilization revenue, the project reflects the confidence of energy operators in the technical capabilities of state-of-the-art semi-submersible platforms for conducting drilling campaigns in demanding conditions.
With this new agreement, Noble continues to strengthen its position within the offshore drilling sector and expands its participation in strategic projects linked to oil and gas production in UK waters.
Source and photo: Noble Corporation