OGV Energy Newsbytes

Equinor and its partner DNO have made an oil and gas discovery in the northern part of the North Sea.Wildcat well (35/10-13 S) was drilled in production licence 827 SB from the Awards in predefined areas (APA) in 2022. The well was drilled using the Deepsea Atlantic rig.The primary objective of the drilling was in the “Angel” prospect. Preliminary estimates indicate the discovery is between 0.1-0.5 million Sm3 of recoverable oil equivalent, which is not profitable given current price assumptions.Another objective for the well was to delineate the 35/10-9 (Heisenberg) discovery. Here, oil was proven which confirms the discovery size of 3.8-8.9 million standard cubic metres of recoverable oil, corresponding to 24-56 million barrels.The exploration well is a continuation of the work in the area. Production licence 827 S was awarded in...Read the full article here

Specialist provider of offshore support services, Interocean Marine Services (Interocean), has announced it is supporting a groundbreaking floating dock ship project in Ghana, Africa.In partnership with Prime Meridian Docks Ghana, this major initiative involves the building and operation of a floating dock ship repair facility at the port of Takoradi.This promising project, nicknamed ‘Project Shiprite’, represents a significant step forward for the maritime industry in the Gulf of Guinea. With a total capital requirement of $137million, the project has already secured full financial backing, ensuring its successful completion.When finished, Project Shiprite will feature a state-of-the-art 13,500-tonne lift-capacity floating dry dock, 18,000 square meters of reclaimed land, a 200-meter jetty, modern workshops, offices, and...Read the full article here

Equinor ASA has signed “all major contracts” to build a major natural gas development off the coast of Brazil that is expected to start production in 2028, Chief Executive Officer Anders Opedal said Monday.The Norwegian oil major has secured suppliers to build a floating production vessel, drill production wells and install sea-bed infrastructure such as a pipeline, Opedal told reporters on the sidelines of an oil conference in Rio de Janeiro. Valaris Ltd earlier this year won a $498 million contract to drill wells for the the project, known as Raia. The project will cost an estimated $9 billion and could supply 15% of Brazilian gas demand when it comes online.Raia is part of Brazil’s efforts to increase domestic gas supplies and bring down prices for industrial and residential consumers. In addition to producing from offshore fields, Brazil is looking to...Read the full article here

Arcadis, a leading global design and consultancy organisation for natural and built assets, announces a partnership with COMET, a leading provider of risk control and assurance software. The combined strength of the partnership aims to enhance EHS&S risk management across a global client base. In a landscape where many organisations struggle to optimise digital EHS&S solutions for resolving risks and enhancing organisational performance, Arcadis and COMET are ready to address this. By combining COMET’s intelligent, data-driven suite of analysis, audit, and investigation software, and Arcadis’s digitally enabled EHS&S expertise and services, the partnership will enable a wide-ranging client base to shine a light on past, present, and future risks – all integrated into their existing EHS&S landscape. Placing a strong emphasis on people, data-driven software, and artificial intelligence, this partnership will promote better audits, investigations and root cause analysis to isolate and address systemic issues that...Read the full article here

EthosEnergy, which specialises in services and solutions for rotating equipment in the energy and industrial sectors, has been awarded an exclusive three-year master service agreement (MSA) by major electricity provider, EDF, for the maintenance of 20 heavy duty gas turbines (HDGTs) across France and its overseas territories.The MSA, which includes an option to extend for a further three years, will see the company repair capital parts, supply spare parts and provide turnkey on-site services to EDF’s fleet of gas turbines, to unlock value through increased efficiencies.EthosEnergy’s local team in the region will service this MSA, which will enable enhanced communication and close collaboration between the two companies.Mario Cincotta, East Hemisphere EVP at EthosEnergy, said:“As an independent service provider, we are dedicated to...Read the full article here

3t, the UK-headquartered leader in the provision of training for safety-critical industries, has today announced it will make its seventh acquisition with the purchase of GTSC, the largest energy training business in the Middle East, bolstering its presence across the region in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. 3t has acquired GTSC from Al Mansoori Specialized Engineering. The acquisition sees over 100 GTSC employees and several purpose-built training facilities become part of 3t. Founded in 1993, GTSC has trained almost one million people in the Middle Eastern energy sector and has unrivalled regional facilities and heritage. The company boasts an extensive array of industry-accredited technical, offshore survival, HSE, firefighting and road safety training courses.3t is backed by specialist private equity firm, Bluewater, whose value creation model has helped drive the company’s ambitious growth strategy which is centred on internationalisation and market diversity with...Read the full article here

Orsted has secured a contract for a 55MW solar project in the Irish Government’s fourth onshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 4).The solar farm will be built in Ballinrea, located between Carrigaline and Cork City.Average prices for solar in the RESS 4 auction were €104.76 per MWh.Orsted has a total of 24 advanced or operational onshore wind and solar projects in Ireland, including two projects that were cleared in 2023 in RESS 3.TJ Hunter, Director Ireland & UK at Orsted, said: “We are delighted to get approval for Ballinrea Solar Farm as part of...Read the full article here

bp and Apollo today announce an agreement for Apollo-managed funds (the “Apollo Funds”) to purchase a non-controlling stake in bp Pipelines TAP Limited, the bp subsidiary that holds a 20% share in Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) in a transaction valued at approximately $1 billion. Upon completion, bp will remain the controlling shareholder of bp Pipelines TAP Limited.“We are very pleased to come together with Apollo on this key piece of Europe’s energy infrastructure. Importantly, while bringing in a new investor, this does not diminish bp’s role in a strategic asset for our Azerbaijan gas business. We see great potential in building innovative arrangements such as this and look forward to continuing to explore further opportunities with Apollo through growing this collaborative relationship.” William Lin, bp EVP gas and low carbon energyTrans Adriatic Pipeline AG is the owner and operator of a key infrastructure asset for meeting European energy demand - the final 880-kilometre leg of the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline system that transports natural gas from the bp-operated Shah Deniz gas field in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea to markets in Europe such as Greece and Italy.bp and Apollo will also look to partner on additional investment opportunities, including potential co-operation in both gas and low carbon energy assets, and infrastructure.William Lin, bp EVP gas and low carbon energy: “We are very pleased to come together with Apollo on this key piece of Europe’s energy infrastructure. Importantly, while bringing in a new investor, this does not diminish bp’s role in a strategic asset for our Azerbaijan gas business. We see great potential in building innovative arrangements such as this and look forward to continuing to explore further opportunities with Apollo through growing this collaborative relationship.”Skardon Baker, Apollo Partner: “We are pleased to partner with bp on an agreement that will provide our investors with long-term exposure to an industry-leading infrastructure asset with...Read the full article here

Scottish STEM students and graduates are being given the opportunity to take part in a programme helping to prepare them for the world of work.AFBE-UK Scotland, which supports under-represented groups, is holding Transition events in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.The Transition programme was launched in 2012 to help provide an avenue for job applicants of minority groups in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sector.The events - hosted and graded by industry professionals - involve a series of activities such as CV review, mock interview and assessment centre to help identify the potential stumbling blocks during an application process.The programme has received hugely positive reviews in the past, with many participants grateful for the ability to receive feedback on their performance, helping them prepare for...Read the full article here

Situated 60km off the coast of Tierra del Fuego, the Fenix field is a part of the Cuenca Marina Austral 1 concession. TotalEnergies has announced the commencement of gas production from the Fenix gas field, offshore Argentina.Situated 60km off the coast of Tierra del Fuego in Southern Argentina, the Fenix field is a part of the Cuenca Marina Austral 1 (CMA-1) concession.  TotalEnergies holds a 37.5% operated interest in the field, while Harbour Energy and Pan American Energy hold 37.5% and 25% stake as partners.  The field has a production capacity of ten million cubic meters of gas per day, equivalent to 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd).  The Fenix project includes a new unmanned platform in 70 metres of water, connected to the existing CMA-1 facilities.From there, it is treated onshore at the Río Cullen and Cañadon Alfa facilities, which is also operated by TotalEnergies.  TotalEnergies senior vice president Americas for Exploration & Production, Javier Rielo said: “The start-up of Fenix production safely and ahead of schedule, only two years after FID, demonstrates the capacity of our Company to deliver its projects.  “Fenix will contribute to maintaining our gas production plateau in Tierra del Fuego and ensure a reliable supply to the Argentinean gas market. With its low break-even and low carbon intensity, Fenix perfectly matches the...Read the full article here

Control Valve Solutions Awards Major Contract to ScotAi for Integration of mAint™  - Smart Manuals Capability within its CVS Manager™ System Control Valve Solutions (CVS) Limited, an Aberdeen-headquartered specialist in the repair, maintenance, and management of bespoke Control, Isolation, Pressure Safety, & Emergency Shutdown Valves and related products, is delighted to announce the awarding of a significant contract to ScotAi for the integration of its innovative mAint™  - Smart Manuals capability within the CVS Manager™ system. This aims to cement its position as a leader within the valve management sector, minimising production downtime, extending valve life expectancy and further improving support for CVS's customers.CVS Manager™, a bespoke asset management system developed in-house by CVS, has been pivotal in managing CVS's internal workflow, customer asset data, and comprehensive valve management services. The integration of mAint™  - Smart Manuals by ScotAi will enhance this system, allowing manuals to be securely accessed and intuitively interrogated by on-site and in-workshop personnel.Mick Beavers, Managing Director at CVS, expressed his enthusiasm for this advancement:"We are delighted to be leading the valve management industry in the adoption of this incredible system. The integration of mAint™ - Smart Manuals into our CVS Manager™ system will ensure that...Read the full article here

STRYDE, the leading onshore seismic solutions provider has secured six new contracts with leading academic institutions to provide its solutions, including its newest seismic system, “The STRYDE Mini System”, across the US, Europe, and Africa.The Mini System is a complete nodal seismic system specifically designed to enable small-scale seismic projects, including research projects for the academic sector.STRYDE’s investment in the development of the Mini System, coupled with recent contract wins, represents a continuation in the company’s commitment to making seismic data accessible for any industry. This initiative also underscores their continued dedication to fostering collaborations between industry and academia, driving innovation, and nurturing talent for a sustainable future.Rice University, the University of Exeter, and Uppsala University are some of the academic institutions leveraging STRYDE’s cutting-edge technology to advance a variety of...Read the full article here

First Marine Solutions Extends Partnership with Montrose Port Authority with Five Year LeaseMontrose Port Authority has announced that offshore mooring specialist, First Marine Solutions (FMS), has signed a new five-year lease agreement, solidifying the organisations’ existing partnership and reinforcing their joint commitment to driving the energy transition in the North Sea and beyond.Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Aberdeen, FMS has been a key player at Montrose Port since 2016, utilising a dedicated quayside base to provide temporary and permanent mooring solutions for floating offshore units in the energy sector.Under this new lease, FMS will continue operations from its state-of-the-art quayside facility and as part of this new lease has added a new 22,000sqft warehouse facility as it expands its operation at Montrose Port. The mooring systems, developed and mobilised by FMS, now play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional and renewable energy. Since the inception of its renewable energy consultancy in 2020, FMS has been consistently developing the mooring and survey capabilities honed in the offshore oil and gas industry, in order to provide the offshore floating wind market with a comprehensive consultancy service.This approach towards a more sustainable and balanced energy mix aligns with...Read the full article here

Saipem announced in a statement that it has been awarded an offshore EPC contract by QatarEnergy LNG for the Combined COMP3A & COMP3B of the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Program, aimed at sustaining the production of the North Field offshore natural gas reservoir, located offshore the north-east coast of Qatar.The contract value amounts to approximately 4 billion USD.Saipem’s scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of six platforms as well as approximately 100 km of corrosion resistance alloy rigid subsea pipelines of 28’’ and 24’’ diameter, 100 km of subsea composite cables, 150 km of fiber optic cables and several other subsea facilities.This important contract follows the EPC package for the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Complexes Project – [COMP 2], awarded to Saipem in October 2022 and currently being executed.This project further consolidates Saipem’s position and track record in Qatar, statement mentioned.Earlier this month, Saipem also awarded contracts worth $1 billion in Saudi Arabia.Read more articles here

Imrandd Prevents Costly Caisson Replacement for Australian Operator Imrandd has strengthened its global footprint after completing its first contract in Australia for a major upstream operator.The firm has successfully delivered an advanced inspection data analytics and integrity scope which determined the future condition of a caisson on an offshore asset, reliably confirming its integrity until cessation of the production facility and removing the need for a very expensive caisson replacement project.For the Australian E&P business, Imrandd’s team of data scientists and engineers used their propriety technologies to collate and condition data sets from two existing ultrasonic corrosion mapping inspections conducted several years apart. Rather than using the conventional industry approach where uniform corrosion rates are assumed, Imrandd utilised advanced corrosion growth models that account for changes in both corrosion extent and depth, with statistical analysis of the thickness variations between inspections providing the basis for more representative future condition estimates.Imrandd CEO Innes Auchterlonie said: “We are thrilled with the results of our first project in Australia, which demonstrates our ability to deliver high value asset integrity analysis and recommendations that allow our clients to make informed decisions that count. Our blend of advanced technologies...Read the full article here

Saipem Awarded A New Offshore Contract In Saudi Arabia Worth Approximately 2 Billion USD Saipem has been awarded a new offshore contract, under the existing Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with Saudi Aramco, for the development of the Marjan field in Saudi Arabia. The value of the contract is approximately 2 billion USD.The award follows the completion of the bidding procedure, and the occurrence of the usual preliminary conditions requested by the client.Saipem’s scope of work involves the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of wellhead platforms’ topsides, wellhead platforms’ jackets, tie-in platform jacket and topside, rigid flowlines, submarine composite cables and fiber optic cables.Saipem will deploy its local offshore fleet, including state-of-the-art dynamic positioning vessels, its advanced welding technology and will leverage on its renowned engineering expertise. Furthermore...Read the full article here

Scotland to reveal North Sea oil and gas pledge as windfall tax concerns growThe new Labour Government has sought to calm nerves within the UK’s North Sea oil and gas sector as the country’s transition to clean energy gathers pace. The UK Government is set to reassure the North Sea oil and gas sector that the transition to clean energy will be well-considered.Labour plans to ease by ensuring that the shift away from fossil fuels will be managed responsibly, following industry apprehension about the speed of the transition, according to several UK media reports on Tuesday.  Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to cease issuing new North Sea oil and gas licences to uphold global climate commitments, as well as proposing increased windfall taxes for the sector.The party stated that it would raise the windfall tax on profits from North Sea oil and gas to 78% and eliminate the “unjustifiably generous investment allowances” companies currently use to reduce their tax burden.In contrast, the Conservative Party had planned to issue new exploration licences annually, while Labour promised to discontinue this practice. This move could reduce employment in the North Sea and...Read the full article here

UK-headquartered energy technology provider TechnipFMC has landed two new subsea assignments with Brazil’s state-owned energy giant Petrobras, allowing it to work on three offshore oil fields in the Brazilian pre-salt area.TechnipFMC describes its first award as a substantial contract, enabling between $250 million and $500 million to be included in inbound orders in the third quarter of 2024, for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of riser flexible pipe and the supply of associated services, including packing and storage.The UK player has presented its second award, which followed a competitive tender, as a significant contract, bringing between $75 million and $250 million in inbound orders, to design, engineer, and manufacture subsea production systems for deployment on the Atapu 2, Sepia 2, and Roncador projects.In addition, the deal entails installation support and life-of-field services, alongside the option for additional equipment and services. TechnipFMC claims that all equipment and products will be manufactured and serviced locally, leveraging core capabilities in Brazil that make the continued development of pre-salt reserves possible.Jonathan Landes, President of Subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: “These awards underscore our leadership position in flexible pipe technology, and the proven success of our standardized equipment platform that was effectively deployed for Petrobras on the Buzios 6-9 fields.“Our nearly 70-year legacy in Brazil reflects our deep commitment to the region and highlights our continuing support of Petrobras’s strategic vision. We will draw on our extensive in-country operations to deliver on these contracts.”The deal with TechnipFMC comes weeks after Petrobras hired OneSubsea to deliver pre-salt subsea production systems and related services for the second development of the Atapu and Sepia oil fields in the strategically important Santos Basin. The Brazilian giant and its partners in the Atapu and Sépia consortiums made the final investment decision (FID) for the second development phase of these fields at the end of May 2024.The projects will enrich Brazil’s floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels’ pool with two new all-electric FPSOs, P-84 (Atapu) and P-85 (Sepia), being built by Seatrium, thanks to an $8.16-billion contract. These FPSOs are expected to start their jobs in 2029.While the Atapu field has been producing since 2020 through the FPSO P-70, with a production capacity of 150,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), the second development phase, Atapu-2, will comprise a new-built FPSO of 225,000 bopd capacity. Petrobras owns an interest of 65.7% in the Atapu field, in partnership with TotalEnergies (15%), Shell (16.7%), Petrogal (1.7%), and PPSA (0.9%).The Sépia field, which has been producing since 2021 through the FPSO Carioca with a production capacity of 180,000 bopd, is also getting its second development phase, Sépia-2, which will...Read the full article here

TotalEnergies’ Block 58 project key to US$31 billion offshore O&G spend forecast – Westwood TotalEnergies’ Block 58 development offshore Suriname is a major contributor to an expected US$31 billion offshore oil and gas expenditure for the remainder of 2024, according to Westwood forecasts. The project will tap into an estimated 700 million barrels of recoverable resources from two fields, Sapakara South and Krabdagu.A floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel, capable of producing 200,000 barrels of oil per day, will be used. The FPSO hull has been secured from Dutch floater specialist, SBM Offshore. Drilling is set to begin in early 2026.Offshore oil and gas-related engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract awards have already reached an estimated value of US$34 billion year-to-date, excluding letters of intent. In the past 30 days, several major contracts have been recorded, according to Westwood. Petrobras awarded NOV Flexibles a contract to supply 74.2km of flexible pipes for flowlines and risers across multiple production platforms offshore Brazil.In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, BP awarded a design and engineering contract to Exmar and Audubon Engineering for a floating production unit (FPU) at its Kaskida field. Exmar will design the hull using...Read the full article here

Leading energy event SPE Offshore Europe, is set to return to Aberdeen from 2-5 September 2025 as tens of thousands of delegates will gather to explore the theme ‘Unlocking Europe’s Potential in Offshore Energy’.David Whitehouse, conference chair and CEO of OEUK is leading a 24-strong industry committee from across the supply chain that is developing a diverse programme to stimulate forward thinking discussions involving sector leaders, politicians, technical experts and influencers from around the globe.SPE Offshore Europe 2025 (OE25) promises to be a welcome platform for innovation and collaboration and the call for technical papers is now open.Building on its 52-year legacy, the four-day exhibition and conference will feature a mix of engaging formats and panel sessions and for the first time high-level fireside chats, ensuring an inclusive dialogue that involves young professionals as well as established industry figures.David Whitehouse said: “SPE Offshore Europe 2025 is a convening force for everyone shaping our energy future. Here in Aberdeen we will bring together key leaders, superb speakers, trailblazing companies and innovative investors with opinion makers from across Europe and beyond.“How we can deliver secure, sustainable and affordable energy is a fundamental issue as governments around Europe double down on efforts to decarbonise energy systems. Offshore Europe will explore how we can build on our strengths and work together to achieve these goals.“Delegates can meet the people who are key to scaling up supply chain capacity, managing oil and gas production and advancing low carbon technologies including offshore wind, carbon capture and storage and hydrogen to transform Europe’s industrial and economic future in a way that leaves no one behind.”In addition to the speaker programme...Read the full article here

The $550 million Ubeta upstream gas project, a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and TotalEnergies, has officially commenced operations.The announcement was made by Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, during the inaugural U.S.-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue hosted by the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C.The Ubeta field, discovered in 1964 and located northwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is expected to deliver 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day when fully operational.The project’s Final Investment Decision (FID) was signed in Abuja in June 2024, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy development.Verheijen highlighted that the gas project aligns with the energy reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.These reforms aim to boost energy security, attract foreign investments, and foster stronger collaboration with international partners, particularly the United States.“The key reforms have improved the viability of the gas-to-power value chain in Nigeria,” she said.Among the reforms mentioned were initiatives such as smart metering, which enhances cash flows in electricity distribution, and the payment of debts owed to investors.Verheijen also revealed that President Tinubu had issued five new executive orders to offer fiscal incentives and streamline the development of gas infrastructure projects.These measures are expected to unlock up to $2.5 billion in new investments in the oil and gas sector.Geoffrey Pyatt, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Energy Resources, praised the dialogue, stating it paves the way for strengthened U.S.-Nigeria collaboration in energy security and economic growth.The Nigerian delegation was led by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, with other senior officials in attendance.

bp and Apollo today announce an agreement for Apollo-managed funds (the “Apollo Funds”) to purchase a non-controlling stake in bp Pipelines TAP Limited, the bp subsidiary that holds a 20% share in Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) in a transaction valued at approximately $1 billion. Upon completion, bp will remain the controlling shareholder of bp Pipelines TAP Limited.“We are very pleased to come together with Apollo on this key piece of Europe’s energy infrastructure. Importantly, while bringing in a new investor, this does not diminish bp’s role in a strategic asset for our Azerbaijan gas business. We see great potential in building innovative arrangements such as this and look forward to continuing to explore further opportunities with Apollo through growing this collaborative relationship. ”William Lin, bp EVP gas and low carbon energyTrans Adriatic Pipeline AG is the owner and operator of a key infrastructure asset for meeting European energy demand - the final 880-kilometre leg of the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline system that transports natural gas from the bp-operated Shah Deniz gas field in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea to markets in Europe such as Greece and Italy.bp and Apollo will also look to partner on additional investment opportunities, including potential co-operation in both gas and low carbon energy assets, and infrastructure.William Lin, bp EVP gas and low carbon energy: “We are very pleased to come together with Apollo on this key piece of Europe’s energy infrastructure. Importantly, while bringing in a new investor, this does not diminish bp’s role in a strategic asset for our Azerbaijan gas business. We see great potential in building innovative arrangements such as this and look forward to continuing to explore further opportunities with Apollo through growing this collaborative relationship.”Skardon Baker, Apollo Partner: “We are pleased to partner with bp on an agreement that will provide our investors with long-term exposure to an industry-leading infrastructure asset with a stable cash flow profile, while allowing bp to meet its objectives of retaining control and executing on its capital efficiency strategy.”Leslie Mapondera, Apollo Partner: “This innovative transaction structure is indicative of the types of bespoke solutions we can provide at Apollo, and we believe we are ideally positioned to execute onadditional strategic transactions with bp. Together, we see more potential opportunities, as we look to leverage Apollo’s long-term capital and sustainability & infrastructure investment expertise to partner with bp on its strategic plans, including energy transition opportunities.”The proceeds from the transaction will contribute to bp’s 2024 divestment and other proceeds target of $2-3 billion, part of the company’s disciplined financial frame. The transaction is expected to close in 4Q 2024, subject to customary regulatory and partner approvals required.