On December 23, Noble Corporation, a Switzerland-based offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry, entered into an agreement for the construction of two high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jack-up drilling rigs with Singapore-based global marine and offshore engineering group Sembcorp Marine's subsidiary Jurong Shipyard.
The new units are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013, respectively. Total delivered costs are estimated at approximately US$220 million per rig, including project management, spares, and start-up costs, but excluding capitalized interest. The contract also contains options for up to four additional units which must be exercised by January 1, 2012.
"We are excited to announce the turn-key construction of these units which represent the next step in our ongoing strategy to expand the capabilities of our fleet and position ourselves for the future," said David W. Williams, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Noble Corporation.