NOBLE MODERNIZES JACK UP FOR WORK IN GULF OF MEXICO

March 26, 1990
Another in a possible wave of rigs that will be built or rebuilt for shallow water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico has landed its first job. Noble Drilling (U.S.) Inc.'s three legged, mat supported jack up, christened Mar. 9 as the Duke Hinds after a major modernization/refurbishment, will go to work for ARCO Oil & Gas Co. The job will start next month in the Gulf of Mexico. Max Smith, head of Noble's offshore operations, said the $3.7 million modernization project that led to the

Another in a possible wave of rigs that will be built or rebuilt for shallow water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico has landed its first job.

Noble Drilling (U.S.) Inc.'s three legged, mat supported jack up, christened Mar. 9 as the Duke Hinds after a major modernization/refurbishment, will go to work for ARCO Oil & Gas Co. The job will start next month in the Gulf of Mexico.

Max Smith, head of Noble's offshore operations, said the $3.7 million modernization project that led to the rig's christening at Sabine Pass, Tex., began last November with no firm prospect for work.

Noble learned that ARCO had chosen its rig only a day before the christening.

The Duke Hinds contract is for at least three wells during a 6 month period with an option for a 6 month extension. Precise drillsites have not been disclosed, but the first will be in state water off Texas and later in federal water off Louisiana.

Industry sources expect busy times for shallow water rigs as major operators begin development drilling in shallow water areas and more independents move offshore (OGJ, Dec. 11, 1989, p. 47).

DUKE HINDS SPECIFICS

James C. Day, president and chief executive officer of Noble Drilling Corp., says the Duke Hinds, named after a retired Noble executive vice-president, will be the most modern jack up in the gulf.

The rig was built in 1981 in Singapore at a cost, Smith estimates, of about $38 million. Noble acquired the rig when it obtained 26 units from General Electric Credit Corp.

The SCR electric Duke Hinds is a cantilevered rig rated to 25,000 ft in 200 ft of water. The rig does not have a top drive drilling unit but is equipped with derrick rails for the addition of such a unit.

Major emphasis was on modernizing the electrical system. The main engines were replaced with three EMD 12 cylinder generators of 1,500 hp each. Three oversize radiators on the deck keep the generators cool. There also is a Caterpillar D-379 with 400 kw emergency generator. Most control panels were either replaced or modernized.

All mud piping and valves were essentially replaced, and mud pumps were completely reworked. The rig is designed for zero discharge if necessary. Crew quarters were repaneled and air conditioned with a new system.

Noble also expects to refurbish a shallow water jack up and a posted barge for mobilization to Nigeria for Shell Petroleum Development of Nigeria Ltd. (OGJ, Mar. 19, p. 23).

Copyright 1990 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.