Noble signs up for Kongsberg Digital’s ‘cutting-edge’ simulator tech

U.S.-headquartered offshore drilling giant Noble Corporation is bent on enhancing its operational safety and performance with simulator technology for dynamic positioning (DP) training and analysis, which will be provided by Norway’s industrial software provider Kongsberg Digital.

The simulator contract with Noble will enable Kongsberg Digital to deliver navigation, engine, and dynamic positioning simulators based on its K-Pos DP system. The Norwegian player has confirmed that these simulators will be tailored and integrated with its riser monitoring system (RMS) and electronic well specific operating guidelines (eWSOG) to meet the Texas-based offshore drilling contractors’ training needs.

Brian Herbert, Marine Training Simulation Supervisor at Noble, commented: “Since Noble’s foundation in 1921, our unwavering commitment to safety, performance, and innovation has defined who we are. We put our people above all else. Investing in Kongsberg’s cutting-edge simulators is a testament to our dedication to our offshore workforce and an integral part of our safety and training programs.

“This new immersive training environment will not only enhance the skills and preparedness of our crew and operators but also reinforces Noble’s aim to be First Choice for Employees, Customers and Investors. By demonstrating our commitment to empowering and safeguarding our people, we work to attract top talent and set new industry standards for operational excellence.”

Furthermore, Kongsberg Digital has underlined that Noble will be the first company globally to implement such an advanced DP drilling training solution for in-house Nautical Institute-accredited training, designed to bolster operational competencies, boost safety awareness, and promote effective team collaboration.

These aspects are perceived to be critical factors in drilling operations where engineers, dynamic positioning operators, and drillers need to work seamlessly together to solve potential challenges. In addition, the simulators will support root-cause incident analysis and help integrate legacy crews from recent mergers, fostering “a cohesive and well-trained workforce,” according to the Norwegian firm.

“Our K-Sim simulators are transforming offshore training by offering professionals with an exceptionally realistic training environment that prepares them for high-pressure scenarios without any risk to personnel, equipment, or environment,” underscored Are Føllesdal Tjønn, Managing Director of Kongsberg Digitals Maritime Simulation Division.

“We are honored that Noble has chosen us to deliver solutions that fulfill their specific training needs and welcome them to our growing community of offshore customers, including companies like Equinor, Maersk and Heerema Marine, who recognize the value of investing in crew competence to enhance safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.”

Following its merger with Diamond Offshore, Noble’s backlog stood at $6.2 billion in Q3 2024, compared to $4.2 billion in Q2 2024 and $4.7 billion last year. While the U.S. firm recently pointed out that contract fixtures for lower specification floaters were limited in 2024, it also mentioned the forecasts, which indicate a softer utilization environment throughout 2025 because of white space risk continuing to impact all floater segments. The state of affairs in the offshore drilling market is expected to improve in late 2025 and 2026.

Patrick Ewbank, Head of Learning and Development at Noble, highlighted: “Noble Corporation pioneered full-scale integrated team exercises for offshore drilling crews since 2013. Recognizing that technical prowess alone is insufficient in our dynamic offshore environments, we seamlessly blend technical expertise with Crew Resource Management.

“This investment provides a realistic platform for crews to tackle challenges on their actual equipment, fostering teamwork and operational excellence across the drilling, technical and marine teams. The proven success of these team-based exercises underscores Noble’s commitment to enhancing safety and operational efficiency.”

Before winning a contract with Noble, Kongsberg Digital secured a deal with Yara International to develop digital twin technology for the latter’s factories in Herøya in Norway and Sluiskil in the Netherlands.