NOBLE CORPORATION PLC ANNOUNCES NEW AWARDS TOTALING $1.3 BILLION AND STRATEGIC ENTRY INTO THE NORWEGIAN FLOATER MARKET

Core Viewpoint - Noble Corporation has secured new contract awards for 9 rigs, amounting to approximately $1.3 billion in backlog, indicating strong demand for deepwater drilling services over multiple years [1][2]. Contract Awards and Financial Implications - The new contracts include a three-year agreement for the semisubmersible Noble GreatWhite, expanding the company's operations into the harsh environment floater market in Norway, with a total contract value of approximately $473 million [5]. - The company anticipates around $50 million in contract preparation capital expenditure for 2026 related to these new contracts [3]. - The redeployment of four idle deepwater rigs is expected to improve fleet utilization significantly, with 92% of the 24 marketed floaters now contracted, up from 75% in the previous report [2]. Operational Developments - Noble Gerry de Souza has been awarded a two-year drilling contract by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria, potentially adding $292 million to the backlog [5]. - Additional contracts include two rig years awarded by ExxonMobil in Guyana, extending operations through February 2029, and a workover contract for Noble BlackRhino in the U.S. Gulf [5]. - Noble Endeavor has secured an 11-well contract in South America, while Noble Developer has a three-well contract with bp in Trinidad, both expected to commence in late 2026 and Q1 2027 respectively [5]. Company Overview - Noble Corporation is a leading offshore drilling contractor with a modern and versatile fleet, engaged in contract drilling services since 1921 [4][6].