Noble Corporation, a U.S.-based offshore drilling giant, has lined up a new multi-well drilling assignment for one of its semi-submersible rigs with the UK-headquartered energy giant BP on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
Noble has secured a three‑well drilling contract with BP for the 2016-built Noble GreatWhite harsh environment semi-submersible rig, which has been renamed Noble Claus Bachmann . As a result, the rig will embark on a drilling campaign off the coast of the United Kingdom next year.
The deal, which has an estimated duration of 150 to 210 days, comes with a day rate of $320,000, plus a $5 million mobilization fee. With a maximum drilling depth of 35,000 feet (10,670 meters), the semi-sub is capable of working in water depths of 9,840 feet (3,000 meters).
The rig owner explains that the work is expected to begin in Q2 2027, directly preceding the firm’s upcoming contract with Aker BP in Norway, supporting continuity of operations in the region.
Blake Denton , Noble’s SVP of Marketing & Contracts, commented: “This contract represents expansion of our scope with a key client ahead of operations in Norway with Aker BP.
“We are equally proud to honor Claus Bachmann’s enduring impact on Noble by renaming the Noble GreatWhite to the Noble Claus Bachmann before operations commence. This recognition underscores a tenure defined by consistency, trust, and sustained performance.”
Following a series of deals totaling approximately $565 million, Noble’s contract backlog on April 27, 2026, was $7.5 billion, excluding mobilization and demobilization revenue.