- CEO
- Robert W. Eifler
- Full Time Employees
- 5,000
- Sector
- Energy
- Industry
- Oil & Gas Drilling
- Address
- 1 Ashley Road Houston United Kingdom WA14 2DT
- IPO Date
- Jun 9, 2021
- Business
- Noble Corporation plc is a leading offshore drilling contractor serving the global oil and gas industry. The company owns and operates a modern fleet of 41 offshore drilling units, including 17 drillships, 8 semi-submersible platforms, and 13 jackup rigs. Its services focus on contract drilling primarily in ultra-deepwater, high-specification jackup drilling, and harsh-environment offshore drilling segments. Noble offers drilling services to exploration and production companies worldwide, operating in key regions such as Africa, the Far East, Asia, the Middle East, the North Sea, Oceania, South America, and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Founded as the corporate successor of Noble Drilling Corporation, Noble Corporation plc is organized in London, England, with its affiliate structured in the Cayman Islands.
In recent major developments, Noble completed a strategic acquisition of Diamond Offshore Drilling in September 2024 in a $1.6 billion cash-and-stock deal. This acquisition expanded Noble’s drilling fleet by adding four 7th generation drillships and a high-spec harsh environment semi-submersible rig, increasing its total operational rigs to 41 and enhancing its backlog to approximately $6.5 billion. The merger notably broadened Noble’s global footprint and deepwater drilling capabilities. In addition, Noble merged with Maersk Drilling in October 2022, further reinforcing its leadership position in the offshore drilling industry. The company continues to pursue its 7G (seventh generation) deepwater leadership strategy by integrating superior technology and operational expertise. As of late 2025, Noble employs around 5,300 personnel worldwide.
Noble Corporation’s main offerings include offshore contract drilling services using highly advanced rigs designed for ultra-deepwater and harsh environments; drilling fleet management and operations; and technical support to oil and gas operators. Its services cater to multinational oil companies and national oil companies, targeting exploration and development projects across established and emerging offshore markets. The company maintains a disciplined capital allocation approach prioritizing return of free cash flow to shareholders while focusing on operational efficiency and commercial backlog expansion.
This comprehensive positioning establishes Noble Corporation plc as a prominent offshore drilling contractor with a diversified global presence, technological leadership in advanced offshore drilling units, and an expanding portfolio through strategic acquisitions and partnerships completed within the last two years. The company’s headquarters are located in London, England, and it continues to play a crucial role in enabling offshore oil and gas production worldwide.