Offshore drilling contractor Noble Corp PLC has entered into a contract with BP PLC to deploy the semi-submersible drilling rig Noble GreatWhite for a three-well drilling program in UK waters.

The contract is anticipated to last between 150 and 210 days, with a day rate of $320,000 and an additional mobilization fee of $5 million.

The operations are scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2027. This work will be arranged prior to the rig's previously announced contract with Norway's Aker BP to support operational continuity in the region.

Blake Denton, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Contracts at Noble Corp PLC, stated: "This contract expands our work with a key client before we commence operations with Aker BP in Norway. We are equally proud to honor Claus Bachmann's lasting impact on Noble by renaming the Noble GreatWhite to the Noble Claus Bachmann, which will be completed before the start of operations."

"This recognition highlights a career characterized by consistency, trust, and sustained performance."

The Noble GreatWhite (to be renamed Noble Claus Bachmann) is a harsh-environment drilling unit designed by Moss Maritime. The rig entered service in 2016 and is capable of operating in water depths up to 3,000 meters, with a drilling depth capacity of 10,670 meters.

The unit can accommodate up to 180 personnel and is equipped with an NOV drilling system.