Noble’s 2013-built drillship lines up 296-day Southeast Asian job

July 13, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Noble Corporation, a U.S.-based offshore drilling giant, has landed a new multi-well deal for one of its drillships off the coast of Brunei, Southeast Asia.

Noble Viking drillship; Source: Noble Corporation

Noble has secured a new contract for its Noble Viking drillship with an undisclosed company to support offshore drilling operations in Brunei.

The deal covers a firm scope of six wells, with an estimated value of approximately $136.2 million, excluding managed pressure drilling (MPD) and additional services.

The assignment is scheduled to begin in early 2028, with a duration of around 296 days, and is expected to keep the rig contracted through Q4 2028.

View on Offshore-energy.

The contract also includes three priced optional wells. The 2013-built Noble Viking drillship can accommodate 230 people.

With a maximum drilling depth of 40,000 feet, the rig can work in water depths of 12,000 feet. The semi-sub drillship began its three-well contract with Prime Energy last year, with an additional one-well option.

View on Offshore-energy.

Blake Denton, Noble’s SVP of Contracts & Marketing, commented: “We are grateful for the opportunity to support this upcoming drilling campaign in Brunei.

“The exceptional team on the Noble Viking deserve credit for this award, and we are proud of the reputation they have built in consistently delivering operational excellence.”

Axess Group was hired to carry out a range of inspection services to support the rig’s operations in the Philippines, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia.