Offshore drilling is a high-stakes game, and Noble Corporation’s Noble Regina Allen is proving to be a star player. Fresh off a gig with TotalEnergies in Argentina, this 2013-built jack-up rig is now heading to Suriname for its next adventure. With a $17.7 million contract in hand, this rig is ready to tackle the challenges of the deep blue once again.
From Argentina to Suriname: A Rig on the Move
The Noble Regina Allen has been busy. After wrapping up a three-well contract with TotalEnergies in Argentina, where it drilled gas wells at the Fénix platform, the rig is now set to embark on a new one-well assignment offshore Suriname. The job, expected to last around 65 days, is slated to begin in late 2025.
This isn’t just another routine gig. The rig’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. In 2022, a mechanical failure in its jacking system forced it into downtime, leading to a demobilization to Trinidad and subsequent repairs in Rotterdam. But now, with its systems back in top shape, the Noble Regina Allen is ready to prove its mettle once again.
A Rig Built for the Deep
The Noble Regina Allen isn’t your average jack-up rig. Built in 2013 at Jurong Shipyard, this Friede & Goldman JU3000N-designed powerhouse can drill to depths of 35,000 feet (10.67 kilometers) and operate in waters up to 400 feet (122 meters) deep. With accommodations for 150 crew members, it’s a floating city designed for efficiency and endurance.
Its recent contract with TotalEnergies in Argentina showcased its capabilities, operating at a day rate of $150,000. Now, as it heads to Suriname, the rig is set to continue its legacy of reliability and performance in one of the most demanding industries on the planet.
The Future of Offshore Drilling
Noble Corporation is betting big on the future of offshore drilling. With a projected surge in demand for floater rigs starting in late 2025, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on this growth. Assignments in key regions like Ghana, Suriname, the U.S. Gulf, and Australia are already setting the stage for a robust backlog, estimated at $5.8 billion by mid-2025.
The Noble Regina Allen is just one piece of this larger puzzle. As the industry gears up for a new era of exploration and production, rigs like this will play a pivotal role in unlocking the energy resources of tomorrow.
