Aker Solutions has secured a five-year framework agreement to provide maintenance, modification, and operations (MMO) services in the Yggdrasil area, with options to extend for up to two additional four-year periods from 1 March 2026. The work will form part of the next-generation MMO alliance covering Valhall, Fenris, Ula, EIGA (Edvard Grieg and Ivar Aasen), Skarv, Alvheim, and Yggdrasil.
The alliance aims to set new benchmarks in project execution and delivery, embracing advanced technology and AI-driven methods to boost productivity, reduce costs, and shorten project lead times. Greater organisational integration and a performance-focused commercial model are central to the approach.
Kjetel Digre, Chief Executive Officer at Aker Solutions, said: “This contract marks a new chapter for Aker Solutions. We are proud to serve as the MMO provider for the Yggdrasil Area, including three topsides, Hugin A, Hugin B, and Munin. It is an area that will set a new benchmark for remote operations and low-manned and unmanned production platforms.”
The agreement includes a significant share of local deliveries, supporting Norwegian industry through engineering and project management in Stavanger, Sandnessjøen, and Mumbai, and fabrication at Aker Solutions’ yards in Egersund and Sandnessjøen. Offshore employees will also benefit from the programme.
The award will be recorded as order intake in the Life Cycle segment in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting expected work during the five-year fixed period.
Energy services provider Expro has unveiled a new high-debris single shear and seal ball valve system, designed to provide enhanced flexibility, functionality, and safety for subsea well access in the global oil and gas sector
By replacing the traditional requirement for two valves with just one, the system transforms subsea well access operations, reducing risk and complexity while supporting more cost-effective subsea intervention technologies.
Tested and validated according to API Std 17G, the system is the first fully NACE MR0175-compliant fail-close, bi-directional high-debris ball valve capable of shearing and sealing on wire and coiled tubing.
Expro’s new equipment can be applied in both riser and open water environments across the full well lifecycle – from exploration and appraisal to completion intervention, plug and abandonment, and decommissioning.
The system has already been deployed for a new in-riser completions project in the Gulf of America and installed in an open water system for a North Sea plug and abandonment campaign. It provides shear and post-shear sealing for gas and liquids on slickline, braided electrical cable, and coiled tubing, delivering bi-directional sealing even after pump-through operations.
It is also integrated into Expro’s lightweight open water intervention riser system. By achieving shear and seal in a single valve, the system allows more efficient operations in open water applications.
The modular design enables isolation and disconnection from the well, while its compact size and flexibility align with the industry’s move toward smaller blowout preventer stacks and streamlined supply chain management. The fail-close configuration reduces emissions risk and provides an additional well safety barrier. Expro’s integrated approach gives users confidence and simplifies operations by replacing a two-valve system with just one.
The system offers superior high-debris flexibility, handling solids up to 15% ingress qualification size, making it suitable for a wide range of subsea well lifecycle challenges.
Daniel More, Vice President Subsea Well Access at Expro, said:
“In introducing this system, Expro now offers the subsea engineering market a distinctive new solution that provides the ultimate integrated shear and seal on coiled tubing and wire using just a single valve. It cuts through operational complexity. Simple to use, flexible, with a compact design for smaller BOP stack sizes, this is the latest in fail-safe technology developed by the experts of valve technology and systems integration.
“When there’s no room for error, the system is designed to provide the assurance of an independent well safety barrier, combined with the surety and confidence that comes from Expro’s integration experience and expertise at the ‘whole system’ level. It’s the latest example of Expro’s engineering excellence and deep understanding of customer needs to move our industry forward.”
The system is available in Expro’s landing string assembly equipment offering, and can be deployed in-riser as a single valve, a single valve with a latch mechanism, within a subsea test tree, or within an open water intervention riser system.
OKEA, alongside its partners, has announced a petroleum discovery at the 'Knockando Fensfjord' prospect in the North Sea.
The well was drilled from the Brage installation as part of a development well for oil (31/4-A-15 D) within production licence 055, according to the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.
Preliminary estimates suggest that, if the discovery contains oil, it could add between 0.5 and 1.5 million standard cubic metres (Sm³) of recoverable oil equivalent (o.e.) to Brage’s resources. If the find is gas, estimated volumes range from 0.4 to 0.9 million Sm³ o.e.
Well 31/4-A-15 D recently began production from the 31/4-A-1 B 'Talisker' discovery on 11 January 2026. The licence holders are now evaluating potential development options for the Knockando Fensfjord discovery.
Production licence 055 was awarded in Norway’s fourth licensing round on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) in 1978. The Brage field was proven in 1980, with the plan for development and operation (PDO) approved by the Storting in 1990. Several new discoveries have been made in the Brage area in recent years, including “Talisker Cook/Statfjord” (31/4-A-15 B) and “Prince” (31/4-A-23 G), both confirmed in 2025.
The current licensees in production licence 055 include OKEA (operator), Lime Petroleum, DNO, Petrolia NOCO, and M Vest Energy.
The development well 31/4-A-15 D targeted the lower Fensfjord Formation of Late Jurassic age en route to the “Talisker” production target in the Middle Jurassic Brent Group. The well confirmed a 38.5-metre hydrocarbon column across multiple sandstone layers with moderate to good reservoir quality. The petroleum-water contact was not encountered.
The well reached measured and vertical depths of 10,009 metres and 2,309 metres below sea level, respectively, before being terminated in the Oseberg Formation of the Middle Jurassic. Geological and reservoir data were collected throughout the discovery interval.
This latest find adds to OKEA and its partners’ ongoing efforts to optimise resource recovery in the Brage area, further strengthening the field’s contribution to Norway’s oil production.
Seadrill Limited has provided an update on its contracting activities in Europe and beyond, highlighting a new agreement for its West Elara rig on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
In Norway, the West Elara has secured an accommodation contract with Equinor AS, expected to commence in the third quarter of 2026 and continue into the fourth quarter of 2027. The firm contract value is US$78mn, with three priced options of three months each. Prior to this fixture, Seadrill reached a mutual agreement with the current contract holder to make the West Elara available. “This update to the rig’s schedule results in a net increase in total contract value of US$23mn,” the company noted.
Seadrill’s president and chief executive officer, Simon Johnson, said, “We are excited to confirm these important contracts with several of our long-standing customers. … In Norway, the West Elara’s contract with Equinor represents a harmonious solution to a potential gap in the rig’s operations, reaffirming that Seadrill’s collaborative approach with customers continues to create value for all stakeholders.”
Outside Europe, the ultra-deepwater drillship West Capella in Malaysia has secured a contract with an undisclosed operator. The well-based programme is expected to start in the second quarter of 2026, with an estimated duration of 440 days, plus priced options for three additional wells. The total firm-term contract value is approximately US$157mn, including a US$5mn mobilisation fee and excluding additional services.
Meanwhile, the West Carina in Brazil has had its current contract extended through April 2026.
Johnson added, “The reactivation of the West Capella materially enhances Seadrill’s earnings potential in a region with reinvigorated demand for offshore drilling.”
Seadrill’s latest contracts underscore its focus on strengthening European operations while maintaining a global presence across key offshore markets. In Norway, the West Elara deal highlights the company’s ability to optimise rig utilisation in collaboration with major operators, ensuring minimal downtime and maximising the value of its fleet.
The accommodation contract comes amid growing offshore activity in the Norwegian Continental Shelf, where operators are seeking flexible solutions to support extended field development and maintenance projects. Seadrill’s approach reflects a broader trend in the offshore drilling sector, combining operational adaptability with long-term strategic partnerships.
Technology solutions company, Rosenxt Group, has acquired K.U.M Umwelt- und Meerestechnik Kiel GmbH (K.U.M), strengthening its position in the growing subsea technology market and expands its portfolio with specialised solutions for deep-sea monitoring and data acquisition.
K.U.M boasts a vast portfolio of customised subsea monitoring systems, ocean-bottom seismometers, seabed instrument carriers, and other advanced deep-sea solutions. The company has more than 400 offshore expeditions and a broad customer base across 40 countries. Now, as part of Rosenxt Group, K.U.M will gain access to a broader international market and be able to scale its subsea solutions more rapidly.
Through the acquisition, Rosenxt will significantly expand its presence in the specialised subsea domain: K.U.M brings more than 20 years of experience in developing complete subsea systems. The acquisition supports Rosenxt’s strategy on integrating sensing, robotics, digitalisation, materials technology and deep environmental expertise to develop robust solutions that create value across subsea, offshore and upstream applications.
Hermann Rosen, Chairman of the Board at Rosenxt, said, “The integration of K.U.M is a consistent contribution to our responsibility to shape the future of critical infrastructure in a resilient and technologically excellent way. K.U.M brings decades of subsea engineering expertise and precise data acquisition to the table – a strong addition to our group. We think in the long term – beyond market cycles – and are laying the foundations today for the solutions of tomorrow. Rosenxt is staying true to its course and sending a clear signal about its ambitious development in the subsea market.”
CEO of K.U.M, Onno Bliss, commented, “Joining the Rosenxt Group enables K.U.M to further scale our subsea data acquisition and instrumentation solutions and benefit from the group’s broader technology ecosystem. Our shared values – innovation, precision, integrity – make this partnership an excellent fit.”
Equinor has been granted approval by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate to drill a new exploration well in the Norwegian part of the North Sea, strengthening ongoing activity in one of the country’s mature offshore areas.
The permit relates to the 34/8-A-37 H wildcat well within production licence 120, a licence originally awarded on 23 August 1985 and currently valid through to 2034. Equinor operates the licence with a 53.2% interest. The remaining stakes are held by Petoro, which owns 30%, ConocoPhillips Skandinavia with 9.1%, and Repsol Norge with 7.7%.
Drilling of the well is planned to take place from the Visund field, with operations expected to commence in January 2026. The Visund field is situated in the northern North Sea, northeast of the Gullfaks field, in waters measuring around 335 m in depth.
Discovered in 1986, Visund moved into the development phase following approval of its plan for development and operation in 1996. First oil was achieved three years later, in 1999, and the field has remained an active production hub since then.
The development comprises the Visund A platform, a semi-submersible installation that combines accommodation, drilling and processing functions. This surface infrastructure is supported by a subsea production facility located in the northern part of the field, enabling continued operations in the area.
Equinor has awarded a new set of long-term framework agreements to seven supplier companies, with a combined value of about NOK 100 billion, reinforcing the foundation for safe, efficient and competitive operations across its offshore installations and onshore plants.
In total, twelve framework agreements have been signed covering maintenance and modification services. These contracts will take effect in the first half of 2026 and run for five years, with options to extend by a further three and two years. Together, they represent an estimated annual value of around NOK 10 billion and are expected to generate long-term stability and significant knock-on benefits for the Norwegian supplier industry nationwide.
“The Norwegian continental shelf will remain the backbone for Equinor for a long time. Our ambition is to maintain a high production level and predictable energy deliveries to Europe towards 2035. At the same time, the shelf is entering a mature phase that will require new solutions. To succeed, we must, together with the supplier industry, find new ways of working that strengthen our competitiveness. These agreements facilitate long-term collaboration and continuous improvement on core tasks at Equinor’s offshore installations and onshore facilities in Norway,” said Kjetil Hove, executive vice president for the Norwegian continental shelf at Equinor.
“These are strategically important agreements, and collectively among the largest Equinor has awarded. The agreements will ensure long-term activity and value creation across Norway, with job creation estimated at around 4,000 man-years at the suppliers. The goal is close, long-term, and predictable cooperation that strengthens the culture for safety and security and our shared competitiveness. Together, we will work safer and smarter, and scale up the use of new technology,” added Jannicke Nilsson, chief procurement officer at Equinor.
The framework agreements support Equinor’s objective of sustaining production of around 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day on the Norwegian continental shelf, broadly in line with 2020 levels, through to 2035. To achieve this, the company plans annual investments of approximately NOK 60–70 billion in increased recovery and new field developments. This includes drilling about 250 exploration wells and around 600 wells aimed at improving recovery, carrying out roughly 300 well interventions each year, and executing close to 2,500 modification projects.
Equinor also intends to mature and develop more than 75 subsea projects that can be tied back to existing infrastructure, while continuing efforts to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% by 2030 compared with 2015 levels. Alongside maintaining stable and reliable energy supplies to Europe, the company will invest heavily in maintenance and upgrades to enhance safety, ensure high operational regularity, and reduce climate and environmental impacts.
The agreements span seven suppliers in total, including three companies that are new entrants to Equinor’s maintenance and modification portfolio.
Aker Solutions has been awarded multiple five-year frame agreements with Equinor for maintenance and modification services in the Norwegian Continental Shelf and onshore Norway.
Installations will be formally assigned after the contracts have been signed. The intended scope of work involves maintenance and modification services for offshore assets including Johan Sverdrup, Troll, Kristin, Åsgard, Heidrun, Njord, Grane, Kvitebjørn and Valemon.
Additionally, Aker will provide its services for the Øygarden onshore plants.
Chief Executive Officer of Aker Solutions, Kjetel Digre, said, “Under the current frame agreement, we are boosting productivity, cutting costs and shortening project lead times by fundamentally changing how we work. This is the start of a larger transformation, as Aker Solutions intends to build on this progress and aims to take our collaboration with Equinor to the next level.
“We have set ambitious goals and are proud to offer the capabilities of a highly competent and experienced workforce with an adaptive mindset. This contract award is a strong testament to the quality and consistency of the services that our teams have delivered over many years.”
The five-year agreement provides Equinor with the flexibility to extend the contract for two periods of three and two years.
Halliburton has introduced the HyperSteer MX directional drill bit, the industry’s first shankless, matrix-body directional bit designed to enhance durability while delivering superior directional control.
Engineered for demanding conditions, the bit enables longer drilling intervals with fewer trips, while withstanding erosion and abrasion in high-flow, abrasive environments.
The launch represents a significant advancement in drilling technology. By integrating the accurate steering capability associated with HyperSteer directional drill bits with the strength of a matrix body, the new design allows operators to drill for extended periods in harsh formations. This supports efforts to reduce overall well time while maintaining high levels of directional performance.
According to Amr Hassan, vice president, Drill Bits and Services at Halliburton, the HyperSteer MX directional drill bits leverage advanced matrix materials to combat erosion and abrasion, prolong bit life in abrasive, high-flow settings, and enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
The bit offers precise directional control across vertical, curve, and lateral sections, helping operators optimize drilling performance while reducing well construction time and costs. By enabling longer runs, the design cuts down on trips, lowers the risk of unplanned events, and preserves directional accuracy even in the most challenging environments.
HyperSteer MX directional drill bits further expand the HyperSteer portfolio and underscore Halliburton’s continued focus on developing engineered solutions that enhance asset value.
Gulf Marine Services (GMS) has been awarded a new contract in Europe for two of its Large-class self-propelled, self-elevating support vessels (SESVs), according to World Oil.
The agreement spans 985 days and will see the vessels continue to support offshore operations across the region.
The contract increases GMS’s total contracted backlog to US$540mn, reflecting continued demand for its specialised fleet and offshore support services.
The company operates a total of 13 SESVs, which are capable of platform refurbishment, well intervention, offshore wind support, installation, and decommissioning work.
GMS’s vessels operate across the Middle East, Europe, West Africa, and North America, providing flexible support for both oil and gas and renewable energy projects. The SESVs’ self-propelled and self-elevating capabilities allow them to mobilise efficiently, work in challenging offshore conditions, and perform a wide range of complex tasks for operators in multiple sectors.
The new European contract underscores the strategic importance of GMS’s fleet in supporting long-term offshore operations and highlights opportunities for growth in regions where demand for specialised vessels remains high.
With a special emphasis on production optimisation, Var Energi is advancing a portfolio of early-phase initiatives that include 10 development projects this year.
This initiative covers around 30 high quality projects to attain high value barrels with a production capacity of between 350,000-400,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) by 2030 and beyond.
Alongside sanctioning increased oil recovery (IOR) projects and the first phase of Balder Next, the company is looking at a busy line-up of projects ranging from the Previously Produced Fields in the Greater Ekofisk Area (PPF) and Eldfisk North Extension to Mikkel Flow Conditioning Unit (FCU) and Johan Castberg Isflak. Earlier this year, it has also reached final investment decisions (FID) on Balder Phase VI, Fram Sor, Gudrun Low Pressure Project and Snorre Gas Export.
The first phase of the Balder Next project will see the debottlenecking at Jotun FPSO for a boost to production capacity and drilling of new production wells. This will be followed by the decommissioning of the Balder floating production unit (FPU) and development of additional wells.
Nick Walker, CEO of Var Energi, said, "Sanctioning 10 projects this year, up from eight targeted at the start of the year, shows the pace at which we are delivering. We are moving from resources to reserves faster, creating significant value for our shareholders and underpinning our ability to sustain production at 350,000-400,000 boepd towards 2030 and beyond. We have delivered transformational growth this year, the company is de-risked and we have never been in a stronger position. Adding these projects with low-risk, high-returns and short pay-back time, we are strengthening the outlook for delivering long term value."
Backed by strong economics that promises a return of more than 30% and breakeven price of around US$30 per barrel In total, Var Energi's projects are designed to add significant proved plus probable (2P) reserves of around 160 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe).
Italian oilfield services provider Saipem has confirmed that Aker BP has exercised a further option to extend the contract for the semi-submersible drilling rig Scarabeo 8, keeping the unit on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) for an additional year, now through to 2028.
This marks the third consecutive extension of the agreement since the original charter was signed in March 2022, reflecting sustained drilling activity and operational collaboration between the two companies.
The extension is valued at US$157mn, covering the rig hire dayrate but excluding fuel and supplementary services, and is subject to approval by Aker BP’s board, expected in January 2026. Saipem and Aker BP have also included a contractual clause enabling future options for further extensions, signalling their intention to maintain the partnership beyond 2028 if market conditions and operational requirements align.
Scarabeo 8 is a sixth-generation semi-submersible drilling unit engineered for demanding offshore environments such as the North Sea and Barents Sea, capable of year-round operations under stringent regulatory standards. The rig is equipped with advanced dynamic positioning (DP3) and mooring systems and holds a DNV winterised basic classification, allowing it to operate in harsh weather conditions while aiming for “zero pollution” and “zero discharge” performance. It can support drilling to significant depths and accommodate large crews, making it suitable for complex exploration and well construction projects in deep and shallow waters.
The original contract, awarded in March 2022, had a three-year firm period worth approximately US$325mn and included options for two further one-year extensions. Since then, Aker BP has exercised those options annually, with the latest move extending the contract into 2028 after previous extensions for 2026 and 2027.
Operationally, Scarabeo 8 has been involved in key activities on the ncs under Aker BP’s drilling programme. Last year, it set a new record for the longest exploration well drilled by Aker BP in Norway, reaching a total depth of 8,513 m, underscoring the rig’s performance and capability in frontier exploration drilling.
The latest extension not only highlights Saipem’s ongoing role in supporting hydrocarbon exploration and production in one of the world’s most challenging offshore environments but also indicates broader confidence in continued offshore oil and gas activity in norway amid evolving energy markets.
Page 1 of 37
Copyright © 2026 Offshore Network
