The Nobel Sam Croft (photo: Noble Corporation plc)

Noble Corporation plc has announced an agreement with its client, Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC (FMOG), and FMOG’s parent company, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., in connection with the drilling contracts for the drillships Noble Sam Croft and Noble Tom Madden, which were scheduled to terminate in July and November 2017, respectively.

Pursuant to the agreement, the contracts will be terminated, with operations ceasing as soon as practicable, and Freeport will make a payment to Noble of USD 540 million. In addition, Noble can receive additional contingent payments from Freeport of USD 25 million and USD 50 million, respectively, depending upon the average price of oil over a 12-month period. Noble also expects to realise over USD 100 million in direct cost savings as a result of the contract terminations through crew reductions and stacking procedures.

Freeport recently announced a restructuring of its oil and gas business, which is operated through FMOG. As disclosed in Freeport’s public filings, FMOG has substantial debt and has been negatively impacted by the crash in oil prices.

“This agreement represents a favourable resolution for Noble shareholders,” says David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Noble Corporation plc. “By accelerating the contract value and removing counterparty risk and potential downtime exposure over the remaining term of the contracts, Noble will be able to secure the economic benefit of these contracts, particularly when factoring in the significant cost savings available. Given the financial headwinds facing our client, we are pleased to have resolved this matter in this manner, thus protecting our margins, monetising the remaining term under the contracts and increasing our already robust financial flexibility.”

Tags: Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC, Noble Corporation plc