Nobel exercises option for newbuild drillship

March 4, 2011
Nobel Corp. has exercised the first of two options with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. for construction of an ultra-deepwater drillship.

Offshore staff

ZUG, Switzerland – Nobel Corp. has exercised the first of two options with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. for construction of an ultra-deepwater drillship. Contract signing is expected within days.

The $615-million vessel will be based on a Hyundai Gusto P10000 hull designed for operations in waters of up to 12,000 ft. (~3,660 m), although it may be outfitted for less depending on specific contract requirements. The unit will have DP-3 station keeping, the ability to handle two complete BOP systems, a heave compensated construction crane, and accommodations for up to 210 personnel, in addition to a number of other operational enhancements.

Delivery is scheduled for 2Q 2014. Nobel has until Aug. 31 of this year to exercise its one remaining drillship construction option with HHI.

03/04/2011