The Globetrotter-Ii: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On September 8, a Texas District Court was the venue for a significant lawsuit initiated by a crew member of the 'Globetrotter II'. The lawsuit, which names Shell Oil Company and Noble Drilling Services, Inc. as defendants, contends that both companies disregarded critical safety protocols and the risks involved by continuing operations despite warnings from the National Hurricane Center. The troubling events date back to August 28, when the 'Globetrotter II' embarked on a perilous journey straight into Hurricane Ida. The legal filings reveal that the vessel's trajectory brought it perilously close to the hurricane's eye wall, just ten miles away, exposing its crew to wind gusts reaching 150 miles per hour and towering swells of 80 feet. Reports from the crew describe harrowing conditions aboard, with the ship pitching violently, causing crew members to be thrown against walls and forcing them to maneuver as if walking on vertical surfaces. The situation was so dire that many believed the vessel was on the verge of capsizing, leading to profound feelings of terror among the crew. The plaintiff articulates in the lawsuit that he endured multiple physical injuries during this ordeal along with persistent headaches, neck and back pain, and distress across various body areas. Additionally, he cites severe emotional repercussions stemming from the defendants' negligence, including heightened anxiety, focus issues, and sleep disturbances. Asserting the gravity of the situation and its impact on lives, the lawsuit seeks financial compensation exceeding $1 million.

Noble Corporation, a key player in offshore drilling, has formally notified Shell of a force majeure event concerning the 'Noble Globetrotter II' following damages sustained during Hurricane Ida. The drillship is currently under a contract with Shell, which is slated to last until early September 2023 at a flexible day rate of no less than $275,000. Notably, the contract does not provide a termination clause for force majeure situations. The Noble Globetrotter II, operating 80 nautical miles south-southeast of Grand Isle, Louisiana, suffered damage as confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard on September 1, which has since initiated plans for the ship’s return to port for essential repairs. Noble Corporation, on September 2, reassured stakeholders that the management is in ongoing communication with the rig's crew, actively coordinating transport for crew members needing to disembark and arranging for replacement personnel to maintain marine operations. Despite the adverse conditions, the living quarters aboard the vessel continue to function normally, providing essential services including food, climate control, water, power, and internet access. The helideck is operational, and logistical efforts are in progress to restore transportation links to shore across the Gulf Coast. Additionally, recovery efforts are underway for several riser joints and the lower marine riser package that were separated from the rig during the storm and have sunk to the seafloor. Noble Corporation is prepared to swiftly replace any equipment that is deemed missing or damaged. While the ship's cofferdams in the moonpool area have experienced damage, they have not impacted the rig's stability, structural integrity, or personnel safety. The Noble Globetrotter II has successfully secured the well and disconnected from the blowout preventer as part of the necessary departure protocols. For more details and to view photographs related to this incident, visit [gCaptain](https://gcaptain.com/coast-guard-responds-noble-globetrotter-ii-near-grand-isle-la/).

The 'Globetrotter II' is currently being assessed for damage following its recent run-in with Hurricane Ida in the Gulf of Mexico. Remarkably, the ship managed to maintain its operations under its own power, with all marine and safety systems remaining fully operational. Fortunately, the crew aboard the vessel is safe, and all personnel have been accounted for. However, nine crew members did report minor injuries during the storm, receiving treatment onboard, with four of them later transported to shore for further evaluation. Noble, the vessel's operator, maintained constant communication with the crew throughout the ordeal and is actively arranging additional transport for some crew members to return to shore, as well as sourcing replacement personnel to support ongoing operations. Living conditions on the vessel remained stable, with food service, climate control, potable water, power, and internet access all functioning normally. The helideck was also operational, and efforts are underway to overcome logistical challenges to return to regular transportation services between the vessel and shore. Unfortunately, several riser joints and the lower marine riser package detached from the ship during the storm and sank to the seabed. Recovery efforts are in progress, and Noble is confident that they can quickly replace any missing or damaged equipment as needed. A cofferdam on the ship sustained damage from the storm and took on a limited amount of water; however, this has not posed any significant risk to the vessel’s safety or stability. As part of standard departure procedures, the ship successfully secured the well and detached from the blowout preventer in place. The crew is in the process of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the vessel's condition, and Noble is committed to implementing necessary repairs to ensure all systems are restored to optimal function.