8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (date of earliest event reported):  December 4, 2009

NOBLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Switzerland	000-53604	98-0619597
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Commission file number)	(I.R.S. employer identification number)

Dorfstrasse 19A Baar, Switzerland	6340
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 41 (41) 761-65-55

NOBLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Cayman Islands	001-31306	98-0366361
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Commission file number)	(I.R.S. employer identification number)

P.O. Box 309 GT, Ugland House S. Church Street Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI	n/a
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (345) 949-8080

13135 South Dairy Ashford, Suite 800, Sugar Land, Texas 77478

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

£ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

£ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

£ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

£ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-2(c))

This combined filing on Form 8-K is separately filed by Noble Corporation, a Swiss Corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Island Company (“Noble-Cayman”).  Any reference in this filing to “Noble,” “Noble Corporation,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and words of similar meaning refer collectively to Noble-Swiss and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Noble-Cayman, after March 26, 2009 and to Noble Cayman and its consolidated subsidiaries for periods through March 26, 2009.

ITEM 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

The Company hereby incorporates by reference into this Item 7.01 the Noble Corporation and Subsidiaries Fleet Status Update as of December 4, 2009 of the Company, which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and will be published on the Company's website at http://www.noblecorp.com.  The report provides certain summary information about the operations of the drilling units of the Company.  The report is being furnished in accordance with Rule 101 (e) (1) under Regulation FD and shall not be deemed to be filed.

ITEM 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c) Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1 Noble Corporation and Subsidiaries Fleet Status Update as of December 4, 2009.

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation
	Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company
Date:  December 4, 2009	By:	/s/ Thomas L. Mitchell
		Thomas L. Mitchell
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller

3

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No. Description

99.1 Noble Corporation and Subsidiaries Fleet Status Update as of December 4, 2009.

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES FLEET STATUS REPORT - December 4, 2009

.

Approximate actual and estimated unpaid down time days *

RIG

RIG DESIGN

YEAR BUILT / REBUILT

WATER DEPTH

LOCATION

OPERATOR

ESTIMATED CONTRACT START DATE

ESTIMATED CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE

FULL CONTRACT DAYRATE ($000)

COMMENTS

4Q-09

4Q-09

A

E

The information contained in this fleet status report is as of the date of the report only and is subject to change without notice to the recipient, and we assume no duty to update any portion of the information contained herein.  This fleet status report contains statements that are not historical facts, which are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about estimated duration of client contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates, shipyard projects, our business, financial performance and prospects.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to have been correct.  Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially.  We discuss these factors, including risks, uncertainties and assumptions concerning actions by our clients, governments and other third parties, drilling activity levels, market conditions, operational difficulties, weather related events and other matters, from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

Full Contract Dayrate reflects the full daywork operating rate payable to the Company by the operator as provided in the applicable drilling contract unless otherwise specified.  The average dayrate over the term of the contract will be lower and could be substantially lower.  The actual average dayrate will depend upon a number of factors (rig downtime, suspension of operations, etc.) including some beyond our control.  Our client contracts and operations are generally subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and we urge you to review the description and explanation of such risks and uncertainties in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

U.S. Gulf of Mexico Semisubmersibles (6)

Noble Danny Adkins - Newbuild

Bingo 9000

1999/2009

12,000'-DP

Singapore - Jurong

Shipyard

10/15/2009

-

In-transit & acceptance testing

Shell

10/16/2009

2/27/2010

424-426

We have reached an agreement with Shell that modifies our contract such that the unit must be delivered from the shipyard by January 1, 2010 or the customer has the right to terminate the contract.  There are no changes to the financial terms of the contract.  The rig is expected to experience approximately 40 days of downtime in 1Q 2010 for contract preparation.

US GOM

Shell

2/28/2010

11/08/2013

446-448

Noble Clyde Boudreaux (a, b)

F&G 9500 Enhanced Pacesetter

1987/2007

10,000'

US GOM

Shell

9/27/2009

11/15/2009

244-246

US GOM

Noble Energy

11/16/2009

11/15/2011

604-606

Noble Amos Runner (a)

Noble EVA 4000™

1982/1999

8,000'

US GOM

Anadarko

4/25/2008

3/08/2011

439-441

1

Noble Jim Thompson (a)

Noble EVA 4000™

1984/1999

6,000'

US GOM

Shell

3/02/2009

3/01/2011

504-506

Noble Paul Romano (a)

Noble EVA 4000™

1981/1998

6,000'

US GOM

Marathon

2/17/2009

2/16/2010

481-483

US GOM

Marathon

2/17/2010

7/16/2010

374-376

Noble Lorris Bouzigard (b)

Pentagone 85

1975/2003

4,000'

US GOM

LLOG

6/23/2008

6/24/2010

269-271

2

US GOM

LLOG

6/25/2010

6/24/2011

334-336

U.S. Gulf of Mexico Submersibles (2)

Noble Joe Alford

Pace Marine 85G

1982/2006

70’-C

US GOM

Shipyard

9/17/2009

-

Cold Stacked.

65

27

Noble Lester Pettus

Pace Marine 85G

1982/2007

70’-C

US GOM

Shipyard

6/10/2009

-

Cold Stacked.

65

27

Mexico Semisubmersible (1) (c)

Noble Max Smith

Noble EVA 4000™

1980/1999

7,000'

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

8/01/2008

7/31/2011

483-485

Mexico Jackups (12) (c, d)

Noble Bill Jennings

MLT Class 84-E.R.C.

1975/1997

390’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

9/18/2009

6/17/2010

112-114

This contract commenced 6/18/2008.  This contract reprices every three months based on an index of jackup rates in seven international regions. On 9/18/2009, the contract repriced at a new dayrate of $112k-$114k.   The next date on which the contract is expected to reprice is 12/18/2009 at a dayrate of $122k-$124k.

Noble Eddie Paul

MLT Class 84-E.R.C.

1976/1995

390’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

6/05/2007

12/03/2009

177-179

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

12/04/2009

12/31/2009

127-129

Received contract extension Part 1 for remainder of 2009.  Anticipate receiving Part 2 of the extension, which will take the contract into June of  2010, subject to approval.

Noble Leonard Jones

MLT Class 53-E.R.C.

1972/1998

390’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

6/24/2007

12/22/2009

185-187

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

12/23/2009

12/31/2009

127-129

Received contract extension Part 1 for remainder of 2009.  Anticipate receiving Part 2 of the extension, which will take the contract into June of  2010, subject to approval.

Noble Roy Butler

F&G L-780 MOD II

1982/1998

300’-IC (f)

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

3/06/2009

4/23/2010

167-169

The rig is expected to experience approximately 7 days of downtime in the 4Q 2009 for regulatory inspection.

7

Noble Johnnie Hoffman

Baker Marine BMC 300

1976/1993

300’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

10/31/2007

4/14/2010

170-172

Noble Gene Rosser

Levingston Class 111-C

1977/1996

300’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

12/21/2007

6/20/2010

170-172

10

Noble John Sandifer

Levingston Class 111-C

1975/1995

300’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

9/24/2007

3/20/2010

170-172

Noble Lewis Dugger

Levingston Class 111-C

1977/1997

300’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

9/18/2009

1/31/2010

115-117

This contract commenced 6/18/2008.  The contract reprices every three months based on an index of jackup rates in seven international regions.  On 9/18/2009, the contract repriced at a new dayrate of $115k-$117k.   The next date on which the contract is expected to reprice is 12/18/2009 at a dayrate of $104k-$106k.

2

Noble Sam Noble

Levingston Class 111-C

1982

300’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

9/22/2007

3/21/2010

170-172

Noble Earl Frederickson

MLT Class 82-SD-C

1979/1999

250’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

10/13/2009

8/25/2010

92-94

This contract commenced 7/13/2008.  The contract reprices every three months based on an index of jackup rates in seven international regions.   The next date on which the contract is expected to reprice is 1/13/2010.  The rig is expected to experience approximately 21 days of downtime in the 1Q 2010 for regulatory inspection.

Noble Tom Jobe

MLT Class 82-SD-C

1982

250’-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

11/07/2009

12/06/2011

105-107

This contract commenced 8/07/2008.  The contract reprices every three months based on an index of jackup rates in seven international regions. On 11/07/2009, the contract repriced at a new dayrate of $105k - $107k. The next date on which the contract is expected to reprice is 2/07/2010.

Noble Carl Norberg

MLT Class 82-C

1976/2003

250'-IC

Bay of Campeche

Pemex

12/02/2009

3/02/2011

91-93

This contract commenced on 3/02/2009.  The contract reprices every three months based on an index of jackup rates in seven international regions.  On 12/02/2009, the contract repriced at a new dayrate of $91k-$93k.  The next date on which the contract is expected to reprice is 3/02/2010.

Changes from last Fleet Status Report denoted by Red, Bold, Underlined type.

Page 1 of 4

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES FLEET STATUS REPORT - December 4, 2009

.

Approximate actual and estimated unpaid down time days *

RIG

RIG DESIGN

YEAR BUILT / REBUILT

WATER DEPTH

LOCATION

OPERATOR

ESTIMATED CONTRACT START DATE

ESTIMATED CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE

FULL CONTRACT DAYRATE ($000)

COMMENTS

4Q-09

4Q-09

A

E

The information contained in this fleet status report is as of the date of the report only and is subject to change without notice to the recipient, and we assume no duty to update any portion of the information contained herein.  This fleet status report contains statements that are not historical facts, which are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about estimated duration of client contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates, shipyard projects, our business, financial performance and prospects.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to have been correct.  Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially.  We discuss these factors, including risks, uncertainties and assumptions concerning actions by our clients, governments and other third parties, drilling activity levels, market conditions, operational difficulties, weather related events and other matters, from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

Full Contract Dayrate reflects the full daywork operating rate payable to the Company by the operator as provided in the applicable drilling contract unless otherwise specified.  The average dayrate over the term of the contract will be lower and could be substantially lower.  The actual average dayrate will depend upon a number of factors (rig downtime, suspension of operations, etc.) including some beyond our control.  Our client contracts and operations are generally subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and we urge you to review the description and explanation of such risks and uncertainties in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

Brazil Semisubmersibles (3) (c )

Noble Dave Beard - Newbuild

F&G 9500 Enhanced Pacesetter

1986/2008

10,000'-DP

Customs/testing

Shipyard

3/29/2009

1/06/2010

-

We have reached an agreement with Petrobras regarding late delivery penalties on the unit.  Under the terms of the agreement, Noble will provide additional capital equipment on the unit for Petrobras’ use.  In exchange, the delivery date for the unit has been reset to October 24, 2009.  Since the unit is expected to begin work under the contract in January of 2010, the Company will incur a penalty.  Also, Petrobras retains a right to cancel the contract if the rig is not delivered by January 22, 2010.  Installing thrusters, commissioning dynamic positioning and drilling systems.

Brazil

Petrobras

1/07/2010

1/06/2015

219-221

Eligible for a maximum 15% bonus.

Noble Paul Wolff

Noble EVA 4000™

1981/1999/      2006

9,200'-DP

Brazil

Petrobras

7/16/2009

11/03/2009

163-165

Eligible for a maximum 20% performance bonus.

Brazil

Petrobras

11/04/2009

11/03/2014

427-429

Eligible for a maximum 15% performance bonus.

12

Noble Therald Martin (b)

Pentagone 85

1977/2004

4,000'

Brazil

Petrobras

4/11/2007

10/17/2010

113-115

Eligible for a maximum 15% performance bonus.

3

Brazil

Petrobras

10/18/2010

10/17/2015

269-271

Eligible for a maximum 10% performance bonus.

Brazil Drillships (3) (c )

Noble Roger Eason (b)

NAM Nedlloyd-C

1977/2005

7,200'-DP

Brazil

Petrobras

6/08/2009

3/14/2010

136-138

Eligible for a maximum 15% performance bonus.

1

Brazil

Petrobras

3/15/2010

2/21/2012

346-348

Eligible for a maximum of 15% performance bonus.

Brazil

Petrobras

2/22/2012

10/19/2012

89-91

Anticipate entering the shipyard for +/- 240 days for rig modifications, regulatory inspection, and sea trials, of which 150 days are expected to be paid at a dayrate of $89K - $91K.

Brazil

Petrobras

10/20/2012

8/12/2016

346-348

Eligible for a maximum of 15% performance bonus.

Noble Leo Segerius (b)

Gusto Engineering Pelican Class

1981/2002

5,600’-DP

Brazil

Petrobras

6/27/2009

3/07/2011

300-302

Eligible for a maximum of 15% performance bonus.

Brazil

Petrobras

3/08/2011

11/03/2011

89-91

Anticipate entering the shipyard for +/- 240 days for rig modifications, regulatory inspection, and sea trials, of which 150 days are expected to be paid at a dayrate of $89K - $91K.

Brazil

Petrobras

11/04/2011

1/23/2016

300-302

Eligible for a maximum of 15% performance bonus.

Noble Muravlenko

Gusto Engineering Pelican Class

1982/1997

4,900’-DP

Brazil

Petrobras

5/21/2009

2/11/2013

289-291

Eligible for a maximum of 15% performance bonus.

1

Brazil

Petrobras

2/12/2013

10/10/2013

89-91

Anticipate entering the shipyard for +/- 240 days for rig modifications, regulatory inspection, and sea trials, of which 150 days are expected to be paid at a dayrate of $89K - $91K.

Brazil

Petrobras

10/11/2013

8/14/2015

289-291

Eligible for a maximum of 15% performance bonus.

North Sea Semisubmersible (1)

Noble Ton van Langeveld

Offshore Co. SCP III Mark 2

1979/2000

1,500'

United Kingdom

Centrica

6/30/2009

6/30/2010

379-381

North Sea/Mediterranean Semisubmersible (1)

Noble Homer Ferrington

F&G 9500 Enhanced Pacesetter

1985/2004

7,200

Libya

ExxonMobil

4/18/2009

4/17/2012

536-538

Uplift in dayrate for operations in Libya from contract dayrate of $505k-$507k per day included.

North Sea Jackups (9)

Noble Hans Deul

F&G JU-2000E

2009

400'-IC

Netherlands

Shell

2/06/2009

2/05/2011

127-129

Noble Scott Marks

F&G JU-2000E

2009

400'-IC

United Kingdom

Centrica

9/07/2009

9/06/2011

212-214

Dayrate includes cost escalation adjustments.

9

Noble Julie Robertson

Baker Marine Europe Class

1981/2001

390'-IC (e)

United Kingdom

Centrica

9/15/2009

9/14/2010

211-213

Noble Al White

CFEM T-2005-C

1982/2005

360’-IC

Netherlands

Shipyard

9/30/2009

11/30/2009

-

Upgrades and regulatory inspection.

Netherlands

Total

12/01/2009

5/31/2011

111-113

Plus a six month priced option.

61

Noble Byron Welliver

CFEM T-2005-C

1982

300’-IC

Denmark (Esbjerg)

Shipyard

8/12/2009

9/30/2009

-

Upgrades and repairs, then available.

65

Noble Lynda Bossler

MSC/CJ-46

1982

250’-IC

Netherlands

Cirrus Energy

8/02/2009

12/15/2009

219-221

Netherlands

Wintershall

12/16/2009

12/31/2009

94-96

Noble Piet van Ede

MSC/CJ-46

1982

250’-IC

Netherlands

Gaz de France

8/24/2009

5/10/2010

151-153

Three well extension; estimated time to complete all three wells is +/-260 days.

Netherlands

Gaz de France

5/11/2010

10/07/2010

108-110

Two well extension; estimated time to complete wells is +/- 150 days.

Noble Ronald Hoope

MSC/CJ-46

1982

250’-IC

Netherlands

Gaz de France

1/01/2009

12/31/2009

211-213

Noble George Sauvageau

NAM Nedlloyd-C

1981

250’-IC

Denmark

Wintershall

1/01/2009

12/31/2009

219-221

Netherlands

Wintershall

1/01/2010

12/31/2010

117-119

Changes from last Fleet Status Report denoted by Red, Bold, Underlined type.

Page 2 of 4

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES FLEET STATUS REPORT - December 4, 2009

.

Approximate actual and estimated unpaid down time days *

RIG

RIG DESIGN

YEAR BUILT / REBUILT

WATER DEPTH

LOCATION

OPERATOR

ESTIMATED CONTRACT START DATE

ESTIMATED CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE

FULL CONTRACT DAYRATE ($000)

COMMENTS

4Q-09

4Q-09

A

E

The information contained in this fleet status report is as of the date of the report only and is subject to change without notice to the recipient, and we assume no duty to update any portion of the information contained herein.  This fleet status report contains statements that are not historical facts, which are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about estimated duration of client contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates, shipyard projects, our business, financial performance and prospects.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to have been correct.  Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially.  We discuss these factors, including risks, uncertainties and assumptions concerning actions by our clients, governments and other third parties, drilling activity levels, market conditions, operational difficulties, weather related events and other matters, from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

Full Contract Dayrate reflects the full daywork operating rate payable to the Company by the operator as provided in the applicable drilling contract unless otherwise specified.  The average dayrate over the term of the contract will be lower and could be substantially lower.  The actual average dayrate will depend upon a number of factors (rig downtime, suspension of operations, etc.) including some beyond our control.  Our client contracts and operations are generally subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and we urge you to review the description and explanation of such risks and uncertainties in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

West Africa Jackups (5) (c )

Noble Percy Johns

F&G L-780 MOD II

1981/1995

300’-IC

Nigeria

ExxonMobil

3/28/2009

3/27/2010

182-184

Noble Tommy Craighead

F&G L-780 MOD II

1982/2003

300’-IC

Cameroon

Shipyard

5/19/2009

-

Available.

65

Noble Ed Noble

MLT Class 82-SD-C

1984/2003

250’-IC

Nigeria

ExxonMobil

7/03/2009

1/31/2010

114-116

Contract is subject to a 30-day notice of cancellation by either party.

4

Noble Lloyd Noble

MLT Class 82-SD-C

1983/1990

250’-IC

Nigeria

Transworld

9/18/2009

11/16/2009

94-96

Nigeria

Oando

11/17/2009

12/16/2009

94-96

Nigeria

Amni

12/17/2009

3/16/2010

89-91

Noble Don Walker

Baker Marine BMC 150-SD

1982/1992

150’-IC

Cameroon

Shipyard

3/11/2009

-

Available.

65

Arabian Gulf Jackups (14) (c )

Noble Roger Lewis

F&G JU-2000E

2007

400'-IC

Qatar

Shell

2/03/2008

2/02/2010

104-106

Noble Jimmy Puckett

F&G L-780 MOD II

1982/2002

300'-IC

Qatar

RasGas

6/19/2009

3/15/2010

59-61

TBA

RasGas - Options

3/16/2010

TBA

65-73

Exercised one well @ $65k-$67k (1st of nine option wells).  Remaining options but not yet exercised:  Eight wells @ $65k-$67k/day and nine wells @ $71k-$73k/day.  Estimated time to complete each well is +/- 65 days.

Noble Kenneth Delaney

F&G L-780 MOD II

1983/1998

300'-IC

Qatar

QatarGas 3 & 4

6/08/2009

3/31/2010

162-164

Received contract customer projects length is +/- 10 months, however, contract is subject to a 90-day notice of cancellation or extension.

Noble Gus Androes

Levingston Class 111-C

1982/2004

300'-IC

Qatar

Maersk Oil Qatar

8/11/2009

8/10/2010

51-53

Rig substitution for Noble David Tinsley contract; rig to serve as an accommodation.  Contract is for a minimum of eight months firm and is subject to a four month cancellation notice.

Noble Harvey Duhaney

Levingston Class 111-C

1976/2001

300'-IC

Qatar

Total

4/05/2009

4/04/2010

84-86

Contract is subject to a 60-day notice of cancellation.

Noble Mark Burns

Levingston Class 111-C

1980/2005

300'-IC

UAE (Dubai)

Dubai Petroleum

10/12/2007

10/11/2009

#

Rate withheld at request of operator.

UAE (Dubai)

Dubai Petroleum

10/12/2009

10/11/2011

#

Rate withheld at request of operator.  Contract is subject to a 90-day notice of cancellation after 18 months.

Noble Roy Rhodes

MLT Class 116-C

1979

300’-IC

UAE (Sharjah)

Shipyard

4/16/2009

12/31/2009

-

Upgrades and regulatory inspection.

65

27

Noble Cees van Diemen

Modec 300C-38

1981/2004

300'-IC

UAE (Hamriyah)

Shipyard

5/14/2009

11/09/2009

-

Available.

40

Qatar

NPCC

11/10/2009

3/10/2010

52-54

Accomodation work.

Noble David Tinsley

Modec 300C-38

1981/2004

300'-IC

UAE (Hamriyah)

Shipyard

5/09/2009

9/15/2010

-

Estimated timing for leg repair/replacement.

65

27

Noble Gene House

Modec 300C-38

1981/1998

300'-IC

Qatar

Maersk Oil Qatar

5/21/2009

2/19/2010

47-49

Received Contract for rig to serve as an accommodation.  Contract is for a minimum of six months firm and is subject to a  three month cancellation notice.

Noble Charles Copeland

MLT Class 82-SD-C

1979/2001

280’-IC

Qatar

RasGas

7/28/2009

11/30/2009

47-49

Received contract for rig to serve as an accommodation.

UAE (Hamriyah)

Shipyard

12/01/2009

-

Available.

4

Noble Chuck Syring

MLT Class 82-C

1976/1996

250’-IC

Qatar

Maersk

11/12/2007

11/11/2009

162-163

UAE (Hamriyah)

Shipyard

11/12/2009

12/31/2009

-

Upgrades and regulatory inspection.

49

Dhabi II

Baker Marine BMC 150

1982/2006

150'-IC

UAE (Abu Dhabi)

ADOC

7/15/2008

7/14/2011

91-93

Noble Dick Favor

Baker Marine BMC 150

1982/2004

150’-IC

UAE (Sharjah)

Shipyard

10/21/2008

12/04/2009

-

Available.

66

Changes from last Fleet Status Report denoted by Red, Bold, Underlined type.

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NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES FLEET STATUS REPORT - December 4, 2009

.

Approximate actual and estimated unpaid down time days *

RIG

RIG DESIGN

YEAR BUILT / REBUILT

WATER DEPTH

LOCATION

OPERATOR

ESTIMATED CONTRACT START DATE

ESTIMATED CONTRACT EXPIRATION DATE

FULL CONTRACT DAYRATE ($000)

COMMENTS

4Q-09

4Q-09

A

E

The information contained in this fleet status report is as of the date of the report only and is subject to change without notice to the recipient, and we assume no duty to update any portion of the information contained herein.  This fleet status report contains statements that are not historical facts, which are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about estimated duration of client contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates, shipyard projects, our business, financial performance and prospects.  Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to have been correct.  Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially.  We discuss these factors, including risks, uncertainties and assumptions concerning actions by our clients, governments and other third parties, drilling activity levels, market conditions, operational difficulties, weather related events and other matters, from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

Full Contract Dayrate reflects the full daywork operating rate payable to the Company by the operator as provided in the applicable drilling contract unless otherwise specified.  The average dayrate over the term of the contract will be lower and could be substantially lower.  The actual average dayrate will depend upon a number of factors (rig downtime, suspension of operations, etc.) including some beyond our control.  Our client contracts and operations are generally subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and we urge you to review the description and explanation of such risks and uncertainties in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available free of charge on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov.

India Jackups (3) (c, d)

Noble Ed Holt

Levingston Class 111-C

1981/2003

300’-IC

India

Jindal/ONGC

1/15/2007

11/25/2009

82-83

Rig bareboat chartered to Jindal which is contracted with ONGC.

India

Shipyard

11/26/2009

1/05/2010

-

Upgrades and regulatory inspection.

36

India

Jindal/ONGC

1/06/2010

1/05/2015

58-60

Rig bareboat chartered to Jindal which is contracted with ONGC.

Noble George McLeod

F&G L-780 MOD II

1981/1995

300’-IC

India

Jindal/ONGC

1/05/2009

1/04/2012

132-134

Rig bareboat chartered to Jindal which is contracted with ONGC.

Noble Charlie Yester

MLT Class 116-C

1980

300’-IC

India

Jindal/ONGC

1/30/2007

1/29/2010

130-131

Rig bareboat chartered to Jindal which is contracted with ONGC.

Far East Semisubmersibles (1)

Noble Jim Day - Newbuild

Bingo 9000

1999/2009

12,000'-DP

Singapore - Jurong

Shipyard

4/30/2010

-

In-transit & acceptance testing

Marathon

5/01/2010

8/14/2010

-

Lump sum fee will offset mobilization costs.  The drilling contract for the Noble Jim Day contains a termination right in the event the rig is not ready to commence operations by December 31, 2010.

US GOM

Marathon

8/15/2010

8/14/2014

514-516

Far East Drillship (1)

Globetrotter - Newbuild

Globetrotter Class

2011

10,000'-DP

Dalian, China - STX / Netherlands - Huisman

Shipyard

9/30/2011

-

In-transit & acceptance testing

TBA

10/01/2011

12/31/2011

TBA

TBA

1/01/2012

TBA

TBA

Available.

697

174

(a)

Unit has been upgraded to the NC-5SM mooring standard.

(b)

Rig utilizes the Aluminum Alloy Riser technology.

2009 Total: (includes: shipyard, stacked, & downtime days.)

3538

(c)

In various market segments, the Company contracts with certain parties for the provision of certain local services and advice.  Compensation paid to such parties by the Company typically is based on a percentage of the drilling contract’s daywork operating rate, and the Company accounts for such payments in its financial statements in the contract drilling services operating costs and expenses line item.

(d)

Listed rigs are modified bareboat charter; cost structure varies by region.

(e)

Leg extensions fabricated to enable the rig to operate in up to 390' of water in a non-harsh environment.

(f)

Rig is currently equipped to operate in 250' of water.  Leg extensions fabricated to enable the rig to operate in up to 300' of water.

*

A = Actual approximate downtime incurred during the quarter indicated as of the report date;  E = Estimated additional downtime days expected to occur as of the report date.

# =

Rate withheld at request of operator.

Changes from last Fleet Status Report denoted by Red, Bold, Underlined type.

Page 4 of 4