Saipem has been awarded two offshore contracts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under its long-term agreement with Aramco.
The first contract covers Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) of one water injection tie-in platform, two water injection wells, approximately 5km of pipelines and 15km of 15kV cables at the Safaniya oil field.
The second contract includes the EPCI activities for four water injection wellheads, as well as associated subsea facilities, at the Safaniya oil field.
For the operations, Saipem will employ its construction vessels that are currently deployed in the region. These contracts strengthen Saipem’s presence in the Kingdom and further consolidate its longstanding relationship with Aramco.
Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. has released its operational update and 2025 financial and operational results, alongside the renewal of its shelf prospectus.
Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO, said, "2025 was another transformational year for ReconAfrica as we progressed all aspects of our strategic goals. We completed our farm down transaction with BW Energy Ltd. which was a significant milestone for the Company. We made the strategic move to broaden our portfolio by entering the shallow waters of Gabon by signing the Ngulu PSC, which adds another discovery to our inventory and high potential exploration acreage. We entered Angola by signing the MOU to ensure we captured significant running room in the Damara Fold Belt in advance of drilling the Kavango discovery. And finally, we made a significant play opening discovery at the Kavango West 1X well. I congratulate the ReconAfrica team, and our partners, for making this an exceptional year of advancement for the Company."
Namibia
In Namibia, activities at the Kavango West 1X discovery well are progressing as planned, with optimised zone production testing expected to begin in early to mid-May. A five-inch production liner has been installed in the wellbore, enabling isolation and sequential testing of zones. Perforation and testing will cover six hydrocarbon-bearing intervals ranging from 45–75 metres in thickness across the Elandshoek and Huttenburg formations, assessing around 420 metres of hydrocarbon-saturated section. Testing will proceed from the deepest to the shallowest zone, with each phase potentially lasting up to 10 days, extending the programme to the end of June.
The company is also advancing preparations for a follow-up appraisal well located approximately 3 – 4 km southeast of the KW1X discovery. A successful appraisal well would support reserve booking and help progress toward a final investment decision (FID).
Gabon
The company has received all raw seismic data to begin a 3D reprocessing programme over the Loba oil discovery, along with an additional 400 sq km covering high-priority prospect areas. Final seismic reinterpretation is expected in Q4 2026 and will incorporate advanced Pre-Stack Depth Migration and Full Waveform Inversion technology to better image salt-related exploration plays across the concession. The dataset will support a resource report and appraisal well location selection for the Loba oil field.
Further details on the 2025 highlights and subsequent period are available on the ReconAfrica website
Perdana Petroleum has strengthened its position in offshore services after winning new vessel contracts from Petronas Carigali
The agreement involves the supply of two anchor handling tug and supply vessels to support offshore activities.
The contracts were awarded on April 8 to Perdana Nautika, a fully owned subsidiary of the company. These vessels will play a key role in maintaining smooth offshore operations, offering round the clock support for drilling rigs and installations. Their duties will also include towing and anchor handling, ensuring safe and efficient offshore movement.
The charter periods are set for 303 days and 224 days, with both contracts offering an option for an additional 40 day extension. This provides flexibility depending on operational needs.
Perdana Petroleum noted that the total contract value is not fixed at this stage, as it will depend on future work orders issued throughout the charter period.
CODA has published a new report analysing the regulatory frameworks governing both offshore and onshore oil and gas decommissioning in Australia
Titled Australia’s Oil and Gas Decommissioning Regulatory Landscape, the report explores the country’s decommissioning framework by assessing international obligations, Commonwealth legislation, and state and territory regulations across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. It highlights a system characterised by multiple layers of legislation, some of which overlap, alongside evolving regulatory expectations.
With decommissioning activity on the rise, the report points to increasing strain on regulatory structures that were originally developed to support exploration and production phases. Feedback from industry stakeholders indicates that navigating this complex and multi-layered system can be challenging.
The study is based on detailed regulatory mapping and targeted consultations with stakeholders including government bodies, regulators, titleholders, and supply chain participants. These insights have informed the identification of key themes and practical opportunities to improve coordination, streamline approval processes, and enhance clarity within the regulatory environment.
The findings emphasise the need for more aligned and efficient regulatory pathways to support safe, timely, and effective decommissioning at scale. Suggested improvements include stronger collaboration between agencies, clearer guidance materials, and enhanced support for industry in understanding regulatory requirements.
CODA CEO Francis Norman said the report provides a foundation for ongoing regulatory evolution as decommissioning activity continues to grow.
“Decommissioning at scale is still relatively new in Australia, and all stakeholders are continuing to build capability as the industry evolves. This report brings together industry experience and regulatory insight to highlight where the current system is working well, and where there are opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, and efficiency.”
The report was developed with support from Kent PLC, which led the regulatory mapping component, alongside contributions from a wide range of industry and regulatory stakeholders who participated in the consultation process.
Read more about the report here
SLB has completed its acquisition of HydraWell Intervention AS, a Norway based company known for its advanced solutions in well abandonment and integrity management
This move strengthens SLB’s position in the growing field of well intervention and supports its focus on delivering practical and efficient solutions for the energy sector.
HydraWell brings with it a specialised approach to plug and abandonment, often referred to as P and A. Its core technology, known as perforate, wash and cement, offers a different way of sealing wells. Instead of relying on traditional methods that often involve heavy mechanical work, this process creates strong barriers within the well structure in a more direct and controlled manner. The result is a simpler operation that reduces both time and cost.
“This acquisition represents an important step in SLB’s strategy to deliver transformative solutions for our customers,” said Frederik Majkut, president, Reservoir Performance, SLB. “By integrating HydraWell’s groundbreaking technology with the global expertise and intervention capabilities of SLB, we are uniquely positioned to redefine operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in well decommissioning and other well integrity remediation challenges.”
The technology developed by HydraWell has already been tested in real field conditions and supported by detailed modelling. It allows for effective cleaning of the well and careful placement of barriers, ensuring long term safety and performance. By removing the need for complex steps such as casing removal, it offers a more straightforward solution for operators managing ageing wells.
This acquisition also gives SLB the ability to offer flexible services across different types of well work. While it is designed for permanent closure, the same approach can also support other tasks such as zonal plugging and general well repair. This makes it useful for companies aiming to maintain efficiency while meeting strict environmental and regulatory standards.
As the demand for responsible well closure continues to rise, SLB is positioning itself to meet these needs with modern and reliable solutions. The addition of HydraWell strengthens its ability to support customers through every stage of a well’s life cycle.
CB&I has completed the acquisition of Petrofac’s Asset Solutions business, which is actively engaged on various decommissioning and abandonment (D&A) assignments in the Gulf of America.
A leading provider of operations, maintenance, wells and decommissioning services for onshore and offshore energy assets, with projects across the globe, the Asset Solutions’ portfolio includes work to decommission the South Pass 60, South Pass 6 and East Breaks 165 fields.
Announcing the closure of the transaction on 9 April, 2026, Mark Butts, CB&I President and CEO, said it marked “an exciting new era for our company” as it welcomed approximately 3,000 Asset Solutions colleagues to the newly-expanded group.
“This acquisition strengthens CB&I’s portfolio with a complementary reimbursable contracting business, delivering predictable cash flow and enhancing service capabilities,” he said.
“It also supports CB&I’s diversification into integrated services, expands customer relationships, and opens pathways for growth in international markets.”
The acquisition also provides Asset Solutions with access to CB&I’s debt‑free balance sheet and global liquidity, enabling the business to operate from a position of greater financial strength.
John Pearson, Chief Operating Officer of CB&I Asset Solutions, said this enhanced stability ensures continuity of service delivery for customers and creates a solid platform for expanding capabilities across key markets internationally.
“With the backing of CB&I’s financial strength, global reach and operational capabilities, the business is exceptionally well positioned to accelerate our growth ambitions,” said Pearson.
“Asset Solutions is now able to invest with confidence, expand service offerings, enhance the reliability and efficiency of the assets we support, and deliver even greater value to customers around the world.”
In 2022, Petrofac and Promethean Decommissioning Company (PDC) formed an alliance to decommission the South Pass 60, South Pass 6 and East Breaks 165 fields, offshore Gulf of America.
The legacy offshore fields and assets include nine platforms, 200 wells and 32 pipeline segments.
As the nominated Decommissioning Services Provider, in a contract valued at around US$200mn, the scope of work includes the safe, efficient, and assured decommissioning of the fields.
A case study on Dynamic Gyro Compass (DGC) technology highlights how survey time in North Sea sections was reduced by 76%, as SLB and bp advanced gyro-while-drilling (GWD) capabilities at the Clair Ridge development
The solution enabled accurate, real-time survey measurements under all heave conditions, independent of the BHA provider, ensuring consistent performance in offshore environments.
The application of DGC technology has significantly improved operational efficiency. By removing the need for wireline scoping runs, the solution reduced survey time by 76%, while also lowering personnel exposure in high-risk red zones. This has contributed to stronger health and safety outcomes and streamlined offshore operations.
During tophole drilling at Clair Ridge, bp encountered difficult conditions that disrupted conventional gyro tools. The high levels of environmental noise made traditional methods unreliable, forcing reliance on wireline scoping gyro surveys. These operations were not only time-intensive but also required repeated red-zone access and additional personnel, increasing both safety risks and operational costs.
To overcome these issues, bp aimed to minimise time spent drilling and sitting on bottom, reduce red-zone entries, and lower the total number of personnel on board.
SLB addressed these challenges by integrating its DGC technology with the Quest GWD solid-state gyro while drilling system. The solution effectively filtered out environmental noise, enabling accurate survey readings in complex tophole conditions and eliminating the need for wireline runs.
Across two drilling sections, the average survey time dropped to 13 minutes, compared to 66 minutes per wireline run, saving approximately 53 minutes per survey. With around 21 surveys typically required per section, this translated into a time saving of nearly 18 hours per section. Notably, the sections drilled using DGC technology were completed faster than any previously recorded in the field.
“The use of DGC technology with the Quest GWD solid-state gyro while drilling tool allowed us to eliminate multiple wireline surveying runs typically required during tophole operations. This significantly enhanced operational efficiency and safety by improving red-zone management and reducing the risk of dropped objects.”
Jim O'Leary, vice-president Wells North Sea, Mauritania, Senegal & Brazil, bp.
Read the complete story here: www.slb.com
The Aseng Gas Monetisation Project offshore Equatorial Guinea will undergo subsea installation by Subsea7, which has received a significant contract by Noble Energy EG Ltd (a Chevron Company)
Subsea7 will be establishing a single-well tieback for the project, connecting Aseng field to the existing Alen platform. It will transport and install approximately 19 kilometres of rigid production flowline and 20 kilometres of umbilicals, along with associated subsea structures and tie-ins in water depths of 800 metres.
Project management and engineering will commence immediately and will be managed from Subsea7’s Paris office, with additional support from teams in Lisbon and Equatorial Guinea. Offshore activities are expected to begin in 2026.
David Bertin, Senior Vice President for Subsea7’s Global Projects Centre East, said, “This award represents an important milestone in our ongoing global relationship with Chevron. Subsea7 has operated in Equatorial Guinea for nearly two decades, supporting offshore construction and inspection, maintenance and repair activities. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Chevron on the Aseng Gas Monetisation Project, continuing to deliver safe, high-quality offshore installation services in West Africa.”
The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) has released the latest update to its Decommissioning Forward Outlook, with a focus on improving data quality, consistency and usability across the platform.
The Decommissioning Forward Outlook is a dynamic, interactive online tool developed by CODA to enhance visibility of forecast decommissioning activity, support planning, and promote collaboration within the Australian offshore oil and gas and decommissioning industry. The database has been compiled from publicly available information, including plans and proposals submitted for approval to offshore regulators. Users can explore asset characteristics across fixed and floating facilities, subsea infrastructure, pipelines, and wells, alongside detailed insights into upcoming decommissioning workload and project timelines.
The update represents a continued refinement of the underlying dataset, strengthening how offshore activities are identified, classified, and presented. Enhancements to the Outlook’s AI capability have been undertaken with the support of rahd·AI, facilitating more accurate identification and recognition of offshore activity and improving the overall reliability of the data.
A broader review of the dataset has also been undertaken, addressing duplication, aligning lifecycle stages across projects, and refining activity definitions to better reflect how offshore projects are described in regulatory submissions. This provides a clearer and more consistent view of development, operations, cessation of production, and decommissioning phases.
Additionally the Outlook platform has been rebuilt, enabling faster updates and delivering greater granularity across activities and timelines.
Jake Stride, rahd·AI CEO and co-founder, said, “A big part of this update was tackling inconsistency in how decommissioning activities are defined and structured across different sources. CODA’s insight into the industry has been key in helping us shape a dataset that better reflects how decommissioning is planned and executed.”
For more information visit the website here.
The USA has begun the process to bring closer together the key agencies that regulate offshore oil and gas decommissioning activities in the country.
The Department of the Interior announced on 3rd April the start of a phased plan to establish the Marine Minerals Administration, bringing together the functions of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).
“This action is intended to improve coordination and increase efficiencies across offshore leasing, permitting, inspections and environmental oversight, while maintaining all existing regulatory protections and rigorous safety standards,” a Department of the Interior statement announced.
It added that the streamlined approach reflected the evolution of offshore energy development and the need for a more integrated approach to managing conventional and emerging resources, such as critical minerals.BOEM and BSEE are the primary offshore federal regulators for the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).
Other federal regulators include Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the US Coast Guard (USCG), which is involved in issues related to navigation safety and pollution control during removal operations.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the establishment of the new Marine Minerals Administration marks a strategic step toward a more modern, coordinated approach to offshore resource management.
He said the agency will align resource planning, leasing decisions and operational oversight under a unified structure, reducing duplication and improving decision-making across the full lifecycle of offshore development.
“President Trump has been laser focused on making the government work efficiently and effectively for the American people. This is about building an agency that reflects where we are today and where we need to go,” said Burgum.
“The Department is applying what we’ve learned over the past decade to deliver clearer coordination, better service to the public and stronger, more integrated oversight of offshore energy development.”
Decom Engineering has secured a US patent for its proprietary Chopsaw technology, helping to protect the company’s position as a leading subsea cutting solutions provider.
The patent covers both mechanical and operational features, including the linear drive cutting system, modular drive arrangement and adaptable clamping methodology.
The linear-drive cutting head is the central mechanic for the Chowsaw technology, where it feeds the blade directly into the structure being cut. Unlike traditional Chopsaws, which rely on pivoting or rotational movement, Decom’s system uses a controlled linear movement to guide the blade through the material, improving control, precision and consistency.
By managing how the blade engages with the material, the technology addresses one of the main weaknesses of traditional Chopsaw solutions.
The patent also covers adaptable clamping arrangements, enabling a single saw to cut a wide variety of materials, diameters and structures to make the technology adaptable across a broad range of applications, from small umbilicals to large mooring chains.
Nick McNally, Managing Director of Decom Engineering, said, “Our aim has always been to develop cutting technology that is robust, adaptable and capable of performing in the most challenging environments. The patent is important for safeguarding our leading position in the cutting market, and reinforces our ability to protect our engineering advantage.
“The US is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and competitive patent jurisdictions, and approval provides strong validation of the uniqueness and robustness of Decom’s technology. It also ensures the company can protect its intellectual property in a market where we are successfully expanding our operational footprint and securing wider client recognition.”
North America, Europe and Asia Pacific are shaping today's offshore decommissioning market as it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6-8% over the next six years.
According to an analysis by experts, growth of the global offshore decommissioning market is inevitable as the oil and gas industry is looking towards an ever-increasing numbers of retiring assets.
“With many offshore oil fields approaching the end of their productive life, companies are focusing on cost-effective and environmentally responsible methods for decommissioning platforms, subsea structures, and pipelines.
“The market’s trajectory underscores the importance of innovation, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship in shaping the future of offshore asset retirement,” reads an analysis by Market Research Future.
North America is looking at a chunk of mature offshore assets that are awaiting decommissioning, and the region is trying to keep up with the liabilities by leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and data analytics, among others. The region is spearheading the market, driven by its robust technological ecosystem, early adoption of advanced solutions, and sustained investments in innovation and automation.
While North America still enjoys comparatively stable demand patterns owing to established infrastructure and matured market conditions, its regulatory frameworks are going through a phase of steady evolution to accelerate turnarounds of its decommisssioning liabilities.
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