Noble Energy has entered a 36-month contract with a subsidiary of Atwood Oceanics Inc. (ATW) for a newbuild drillship to support its global new ventures efforts in deepwater exploration and development, a news release said.

The drillship Atwood Advantage is currently under construction by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. in South Korea. Delivery is anticipated in 4Q 2013 when the rate of $584,000 per day will be initiated.

The dual BOP stacks, enhanced offline capabilities, 3,658 m (12,000 ft) water depth/ 12,192 m (40,000 ft) drill depth ratings and the increased mobility will add flexibility to Noble Energy's global exploration program, according to the release. The rig's advanced capabilities are sufficient to reach the deep oil target in the Eastern Mediterranean, which will be the first exploration prospect drilled.