The additional ultra-deepwater drillship will be constructed at HHI’s shipyard in Ulsan, Korea and is expected to be delivered from the shipyard during the second half of 2014.
Following shipyard delivery, the unit is expected to undergo the customary 90-120day period for mobilization and acceptance prior to being ready to commence a contract.
The delivered cost of the new drillship, which is expected to be $630m, includes the turnkey construction contract, company furnished equipment, project management and spares, but excludes capitalized interest.
Noble said the new drillship is based on a Hyundai Gusto P10000 hull design and is designed for operations in waters of up to 12,000ft, but will be delivered fully equipped to operate in up to 10,000ft of water.
Noble is an offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry.
