Noble eyes Golden Triangle payday in ultra-deepwater rigs boost


US drilling giant Noble Corporation expects an increase in demand for ultra-deepwater rigs of between 12 and 15 units around the globe over the next 12 to 18 months, with Brazil’s Petrobras leading the way in terms of contracting activity.

Noble CEO Robert Eifler. Photo: NOBLE CORPORATION

After years of doldrums and fleet contraction, the rig market has been experiencing a strong revival, with rising dayrates and dwindling availability, which is leading to the reactivation of some warm-stacked seventh-generation drillships.