Well intervention services are gaining momentum across Europe’s offshore energy sector, with the UK North Sea seeing a series of strategic operations aimed at optimising production, maintaining well integrity, and progressing decommissioning plans.
As mature fields approach the end of their productive life, operators are increasingly turning to integrated technologies and service partnerships to extend asset value and support energy transition goals.
Halliburton has secured a five-year contract with Repsol Resources UK to support the full well lifecycle across its platform assets in the North Sea. The scope of work includes the delivery of subsurface technology, drilling and completion services, as well as digital solutions to enable efficient development and production. A key element of the agreement is the introduction of a rigless intervention framework, designed to enhance well construction, boost performance, and streamline plug and abandonment operations.
Timothy Horsfall, Vice President at Halliburton Europe, said the collaboration marks a strategic milestone, highlighting the shared commitment to safely and effectively maximising the potential of North Sea assets. This initiative reflects a broader trend of operators focusing on lifecycle efficiency while preparing for long-term decommissioning in compliance with UK regulatory targets.
Meanwhile, Odfjell Drilling Ltd has completed its scheduled Special Periodic Survey (SPS) for the Deepsea Aberdeen rig, concluding a multi-year SPS programme across its entire owned fleet. The sixth-generation semi-submersible has now returned to operations after three weeks of downtime, with work delivered on time and within budget. In addition to essential maintenance, Odfjell implemented major upgrades across the fleet, including the installation of a new blowout preventer on the Deepsea Atlantic and an increase in variable deck-load capacity on both Deepsea Atlantic and Deepsea Stavanger. These enhancements position the rigs for more efficient drilling, intervention, and decommissioning campaigns in challenging offshore environments.
CEO Kjetil Gjersdal acknowledged the extensive planning and coordination required, noting that with capital expenditure now significantly reduced and no major debt maturities until 2028, the company is well placed for future performance and returns. The Deepsea Aberdeen is currently drilling for Equinor at the Breidablikk field, under an extended contract that runs through 2026 with options into 2029.
Further demonstrating the importance of well intervention, Mermaid Subsea Services (UK) has completed a successful scale inhibitor treatment on the Teal P2 well in the Central North Sea. The project, undertaken for Anasuria Operating Company (AOC), was executed using the Island Valiant vessel and was aimed at preserving flow efficiency and well integrity for up to three years. The well is part of the Anasuria Cluster, a group of tied-back fields connected to a floating production storage and offloading unit. The intervention highlights Mermaid’s growing capabilities in subsea services and its ability to manage complex offshore operations in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Scott Cormack, Regional Director for Mermaid, praised the outcome, calling it a reflection of the company’s commitment to operational excellence. AOC’s Wells Manager Tom Reeve added that the intervention not only protects long-term production but also strengthens the foundation for future work between the partners.
These developments collectively underscore how well intervention strategies, whether through lifecycle support, asset readiness, or targeted treatments, are shaping the future of offshore energy operations across the region.
