Offshore drilling contractor Noble Corporation has announced two significant contract awards for its drillships, the Noble Venturer and Noble Globetrotter I.
These developments underscore the company’s strong market position and commitment to delivering efficient, advanced drilling solutions in key oil-producing regions, including Ghana and the Gulf of Mexico.
The Noble Venturer drillship is set to begin a new campaign with Tullow Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of U.K.-based Tullow Oil, in May 2025.
This contract, valued at $171 million, follows the completion of its current assignment for Rhino Resources. Spanning six firm wells, the campaign is projected to last 360 days and demonstrates Tullow’s confidence in Noble’s capabilities.
Blake Denton, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Contracts at Noble Corporation, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership with Tullow Ghana.
“The Noble Venturer’s return to Ghana is a clear indication of the continued trust and confidence Tullow has placed in Noble, the rig, and most importantly the crew.
“We’re committed to delivering exceptional performance for Tullow and continued value to the Ghanaian economy.”
Blake Denton, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Contracts at Noble Corporation
The Noble Venturer’s deployment highlights Ghana’s growing significance in the global oil and gas sector.
Tullow Oil has been a key player in Ghana since its involvement in the Jubilee and TEN (Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme) fields, both of which have been central to the country’s energy production.
The collaboration between Tullow and Noble Corporation is expected to strengthen Ghana’s energy infrastructure, drive economic growth, and boost local employment opportunities. The contract for the Noble Venturer has been divided into two distinct phases:
During the initial phase, two wells are expected to be drilled over 120 days. Following this, the contract will be suspended at a zero-day rate for a planned Special Periodic Survey (SPS) maintenance.
This critical maintenance work will include a thruster replacement and ensure the rig’s operational reliability for the remainder of the campaign.
Resuming in January 2026, the Noble Venturer will complete the remaining four firm wells, an effort expected to take 240 days. Additionally, the contract provides three options for two extra wells each, potentially extending the duration by 360 days.
Noble Globetrotter I: Expanding Operations in the Gulf of Mexico
In a parallel development, Noble Corporation has secured a contract for its Noble Globetrotter I drillship in the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike the Noble Venturer’s contract, the client for this project has chosen to remain unnamed.
The deal involves one firm well and up to six optional wells, with a potential total duration of around 200 days. If all options are exercised, the total contract value is estimated to reach $70 million.
The Noble Globetrotter I is expected to begin its campaign in early January 2025. Equipped with advanced Globetrotter-class technology, the drillship offers enhanced fuel efficiency and versatility, making it an ideal choice for operations in challenging offshore environments.
“This contract represents a great opportunity for our customer to benefit from the fuel-efficient and versatile Globetrotter-class technology.
“The Gulf of Mexico remains a critical region for offshore drilling, and we’re proud to provide solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and sustainability.”
Blake Denton, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Contracts at Noble Corporation
The Gulf of Mexico continues to be a hub for offshore drilling activity, thanks to its abundant hydrocarbon reserves and well-established infrastructure.
Noble Corporation’s presence in the region highlights its ability to cater to the diverse needs of clients while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
The Noble Venturer’s campaign in Ghana aligns with Noble’s strategy to expand its footprint in West Africa, a region that has emerged as a hotspot for oil and gas exploration in recent years.
The contract also highlights the importance of Ghana’s offshore fields in meeting global energy demands while supporting the local economy.
Meanwhile, the Noble Globetrotter I contract in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrates the company’s focus on leveraging advanced technology to deliver efficient and sustainable drilling solutions.
The Gulf of Mexico remains a key market for Noble, with its combination of deepwater opportunities and stable regulatory environment.
