Noble Discoverer

Where proven semisubmersible design meets challenging offshore execution.

Noble Discoverer

Advanced dynamically positioned hybrid semisubmersibles engineered for dependable performance.

The Noble D rigs are high-specification semisubmersibles designed for resilient offshore operations. Equipped with robust station-keeping systems, efficient drilling packages, and strong variable deck load capacity, they deliver consistent, safe, and reliable performance in demanding environments where stability and versatility are critical.

Rig Specifications – Noble Discoverer

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General

Rig Type:Semi-Submersible
Rig Design:DSS-21 Column Stabilized
Builder:KFELS, Singapore
Year Built / Upgraded:2009
Classification:ABS
Flag:Marshall Islands
MODU Code:1995
Overall Length:384 ft
Draft:67.3 ft (operating), 31.8 ft (transit)
Depth:62.3 ft
Displacement:53,197 mt
Variable Deck Load:7,000 mt
Transit Speed: 4 knots
Water Depth:10,000 ft (max), 310 ft (min)
Drilling Depth:40,000 ft
Accommodation:180
Hook Load:2MM lbs (main), 1.5MM lbs (aux)
Moonpool:141 ft x 29.5 ft

Storage capacity

Liquid Mud:18,870 bbls
Base Oil Storage:4,840 bbls
Brine:4,840 bbls
Bulk Cement:24,014 cuft
Bulk Bentonite:24,014 cuft
Bulk Barite:24,014 cuft
Sacks:5,000
Fuel:28,511 bbls
Drill Water:12,580 bbls
Potable Water:5,220 bbls

Drilling Equipment

Derrick210 ft x 72 ft x 39 ft, 2,500 kips main, 1,500 kips aux (not simultaneously)
DrawworksWirth / GH 6000 EG-AC, 4,600 hp main, Wirth / GH 4500 EG-AC, 4,200 hp aux
Motion CompensatorCMC (main, aux), AHC (main, aux)
Rotary:NOV Model RST-605; 60-1/2 in Main, NOV Model RST-605; 60-1/2 in Aux
Top Drive:1 x NOV HPS 1000, 90,800 ftlbs @ 130 rpm (main) 1 x NOV HPS 750, 64,175 ftlbs @ 94 rpm (aux)
Fingerboard Capacity:187 stds 6 5/8” DP, 168 stds 5 7/8” DP, 114 stds 9 ¾” DC, 288 stds (16”, 13 3/8”, 13 5/8”, 14”, 7” or 3.5” CSG).
Tubular Handling:2 x NOV Hydraracker
Mud Pumps:4 x Wirth TPK 7 1/2" x 14" , 2,200HP, 7,500 psi
Solids Control System:(8) MI Swaco / BEM 650 Shakers, Mi Swaco/CD-1400 Vertical Degasser
Iron Roughneck:2 x NOV Hydratong, 103,000 ftlbs m/u, 147,000 ftlbs b/o

Subsea equipment

Diverter:1 x Hydrill FS, 21”, 500 psi
Dual BOP:Yes
BOP Stack:1 x GE Hydrill with 6 ram cavities 18 ¾” 15K, GE Vetco SHD H4 18 3/4" 15k wellhead Connector
LMRP:2 x Hydrill GX 18-10, BTM FLG 18 ¾”, 10K
C&K Manifold:WOM 15K psi
Marine Riser:Aker Kvaerner Subsea, 21” OD, CLIP, 75 ft joints, 3,750 ft
Tensioners:6 x NOV N-Line Tensioners 600 kips each with 50 ft stroke
XT Carts:Yes

Unique capabilities and enhancements

Water Depth:The combination of DP and moorings provides the rig with the unique capability to operate from shallow waters (298 ft) to ultra-deep waters (9,625 ft)
MPDThe MPD system will enhances the drilling efficiency of the rig significantly.

Cranes

Main Cranes:1 x 143t Favelle Favco, 1 x NOV Knuckleboom pipe handling crane
Subsea Cranes:1 x 165t NOV AHC Subsea Knuckleboom Crane
X-Mas Tree / BOP:2 x 50t Xmas Tree Overhead Crane
Other:N/A

Station keeping / propulsion system

Mooring System:8 x mooring lines
Mooring Winches: 4 x 273t Brohl / CAMW - 35
Thrusters:8 x 4,000 kW Wartsila LIPS FS3500-671/NU
DP System:Kongsberg SDP 32, DP2+
Position Reference Systems:2 x HPR / 4 x DGPS

Power generation

Main Power:8 x 4,960 kW Wartsila 16V26 at 900 rpm
Electrical Power:8 x 4,840 kW 11kV Generators
Emergency Power: 1 x 1,500 kW 690V CAT 3516B

Other systems

MPD:Safekick with Weatherford RCD
Flare Booms:No
Dual Well Centers:Yes
Automation:Cyberbase, NOVOS
Red Zone Management:NOV red zone manager, camera with equipment control
On the Go:No
H56 Enabled:Rig Flow, Rig Pulse
Data Infrastructure:Real Time Monitoring
Other:N/A

Explore Our Other Rigs

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Our Values

Noble’s core values have been a common thread guiding our actions throughout our long history. These values remain relevant and essential today, and still reflect what we stand for: honesty and integrity, safety, environmental stewardship, respect and performance. 

Safety

Living our core value of safety and providing a safe workplace for our employees, contractors and customers is paramount at Noble. We’re on a journey to proactively improve our safeguards offshore, build capacity to operate safely, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

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