NOBLE Corporation has exercised two of its four options with Sembcorp Marine’s Jurong Shipyard for the construction of heavy duty harsh environment JU3000N-class jack-up drilling rigs.
The order brings to four the total number of new jack-ups that the company is committed to building.
Deliveries from the Far East yard are set to take place in Q3 2013 and Q1 2014.
Noble, which is a significant and highly respected driller in the North Sea, estimates that total delivery costs will be around $235million per rig.
This fee will include project management, spares, and start-up costs, but exclude those for ongoing capitalised interest.
The company still has options for up to two additional units, which must be exercised by January 1, next year.
The Friede & Goldman JU3000N design is an enhanced evolution of the JU2000E class.
It represents the latest generation of high specification jack-up drilling rig.
Each unit will have the capability to operate in water depths to 122m (400ft), and drill to depths of 9,100m (30,000ft).
They will each have a 23m (75ft) cantilever, 2.5million lbs of hook-load capacity, a high capacity mud circulating system and a 15,000psi (pounds per square inch) hi-tech blow-out preventer system.
“Noble’s fleet evolution is well underway as we focus on adding rigs with superior technology, equipment and capabilities,” said David W. Williams, chairman, president and chief executive at Noble.
“With the addition of two more JU3000N units, Noble will have four out of the 11 jack-ups in existence or under construction with hoisting capacities of 2.5 million lbs.
“We expect ultra-premium units such as these to be in high demand and look forward to serving our future customers’ growing needs in this key market segment.”