Offshore drilling contractor Noble Corporation has been awarded a contract by ConocoPhillips for one of its ultra-harsh environment jackups, according to Splash247. The contract covers plug and abandonment (P&A) wells in the Greater Ekofisk Area and is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2027, with an estimated duration of 670 days.
Contract details
The campaign will be performed by the 2014-built Noble Interceptor, an ultra-harsh environment jackup, as reported by Splash247. The scope comprises plug and abandonment wells in the Greater Ekofisk Area, with the contract estimated to run 670 days starting in the third quarter of 2027. ConocoPhillips selected Noble for the assignment, marking an exciting new relationship for Noble on the shelf, according to the announcement.
Noble executive comment
“This award reflects an exciting new relationship for us on the shelf, and we look forward to demonstrating the full capabilities of this asset and crew,” said Blake Denton, SVP of marketing and contracts at Noble, as quoted by Splash247.
The quote, reported by Splash247, underscores the importance Noble places on the contract for its ultra-harsh environment rig fleet.
Aker BP accommodation scope
Before the ConocoPhillips program commences, the Noble Interceptor is preparing to work in Norway for Aker BP, according to Splash247. The 150-day accommodation scope is valued at $38.7 million including mobilisation and demobilisation. The scope is set to start in September 2026 and end in February 2027. In addition, Aker BP holds up to 90 days of options.
Key details of the Aker BP accommodation scope, as reported by Splash247:
- Duration: 150 days
- Value: $38.7 million incl. mobilisation and demobilisation
- Start: September 2026
- End: February 2027
- Options: up to 90 days
The following table summarises the two contracts reported by Splash247:
| Contract | Operator | Scope | Duration | Value | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ConocoPhillips | ConocoPhillips | P&A wells, Greater Ekofisk Area | 670 days (estimated) | Not disclosed | Commences Q3 2027 |
| Aker BP accommodation | Aker BP | Accommodation, offshore Norway | 150 days + 90 days options | $38.7m incl. mobilisation/demobilisation | September 2026 – February 2027 |
Implication for offshore drilling supply
According to Splash247, the Noble Interceptor will move from the Aker BP accommodation scope, starting September 2026 and ending February 2027, into the ConocoPhillips plug and abandonment campaign, which is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2027. The two assignments keep the rig committed to Norwegian offshore duties across successive operators.
For commodity and energy market participants, the disclosed $38.7 million value of the 150-day Aker BP accommodation scope offers a reference point for ultra-harsh environment jackup pricing in the region. Splash247 noted that the ConocoPhillips contract value was not disclosed. The award confirms that operators in the Greater Ekofisk Area are advancing plug and abandonment programmes, a stage of field life that follows production on the Norwegian continental shelf. Noble Corporation will deploy its 2014-built ultra-harsh environment jackup on these assignments, according to the Splash247 report.
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