Noble gives go-ahead to build two more high-spec jackups
Noble Corp has exercised options with Sembcorp Marine’s subsidiary Jurong Shipyard for the construction of two additional high-specification, heavy-duty, harsh-environment JU3000N jackups for deliveries in Q3 and Q4 2014. Noble now has six jackups under construction with Jurong.
The Friede & Goldman JU3000N design is an enhanced version of the JU2000E. The rigs, approximately 231 ft in length and 270 ft in breadth, will be capable of operating in water depths up to 400 ft and drilling to depths of 30,000 ft. Each unit will have a 75-ft cantilever, a 2.5-million-lb hookload capacity, a high-capacity mud-circulating system, and a 15,000-psi blowout preventer. The rigs will be capable of off-line pipe handling and will offer accommodations for up to 150 people.
“We continue to see a growing interest from clients for the advanced features of the JU3000N jackup design. Opportunities for these units are evident in several offshore regions, including the North Sea, Middle East and Asia,” Noble chairman, president and CEO David Williams said.
In addition to the six newbuild jackups, Noble has seven ultra-deepwater drillships under construction, three of which are scheduled to be delivered later this year. The company also continues to evaluate an option it has with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the construction of an additional ultra-deepwater drillship; the option expires on 31 August.
