EXHIBIT 24.1

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

                              MARY P. RICCIARDELLO

         The undersigned, Mary P. Ricciardello, hereby constitutes and appoints
Mark A. Jackson and Robert D. Campbell, and each of them (with full power to
each of them to act alone), her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for her and in her name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities to sign on her behalf individually and in
the capacity stated below any amendment, including post-effective amendments, to
the registration statement on Form S-3 of Noble Corporation (SEC File No.
333-107595), and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents
in connection therewith with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents and either of them, or their substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney
as of this 2nd day of March, 2004.


                                                  /s/ Mary P. Ricciardello
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Mary P. Ricciardello
                                                  Director of Noble Corporation