Kongsberg Maritime and Noble Corporation are teaming up to push the boundaries of offshore drilling technology. Their newly signed Development Programme Framework Agreement isn’t just another corporate handshake—it’s a commitment to co-develop, test, and commercialise solutions that could redefine operational efficiency, risk management, and sustainability in the sector.
The first pilot project, launching later this year on the drillship Noble Sam Croft, will set the tone for a series of joint initiatives. Kongsberg brings its deep tech portfolio to the table, while Noble contributes operational expertise and a modern fleet of 21 floaters. This isn’t just about slapping new tech onto existing systems—it’s about integrating innovation into the DNA of offshore operations.
The goal? Faster innovation cycles and user-focused solutions that create real value. Kongsberg Maritime’s executive vice president, Jouni Raatikainen, puts it bluntly: “This agreement with Noble underscores our commitment to being a trusted energy transition partner.” By working hand-in-hand with a forward-thinking operator like Noble, they’re not just improving performance and safety—they’re aligning with the industry’s broader sustainability goals.
But this isn’t Kongsberg’s only play in the remote tech arena. In a parallel move, the company has partnered with Solstad, Østensjø, DeepOcean, and Remota to explore remote Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations. The pilot, set to kick off later this year on the offshore vessel Normand Sentinel, will test how remote tech can boost operational flexibility and even open new doors for recruitment in the maritime industry.
These partnerships signal a shift in how the industry approaches innovation. It’s no longer just about buying off-the-shelf solutions—it’s about co-creating them. By embedding tech developers into the operational fabric of offshore drilling, the industry can accelerate progress and ensure that new tools are built for real-world challenges.
The question now is how quickly this model can scale. If Kongsberg and Noble’s collaboration delivers on its promise, we could see a wave of similar partnerships—where operators and tech providers work together to solve the industry’s toughest problems. And with sustainability and efficiency at the forefront, the stakes couldn’t be higher.