Sora Marine Services has expanded its operations with the addition of a new 24-passenger aluminium crewboat, Sora 22.
The vessel, designed for efficiency and durability, will serve the country’s thriving offshore oil and gas industry, transporting personnel and cargo to platforms across Qatari waters.
Built by Lita Ocean in Singapore and designed by Jenjosh Marine Design, Sora 22 is engineered for performance and reliability. The vessel measures 24 m in length, with a beam of nearly 3 metres and a breadth of 6 metres, offering both agility and stability in challenging marine conditions. Constructed to Bureau Veritas standards, the lightweight aluminium hull ensures optimal speed and fuel efficiency vital for offshore logistics.
Powered by two Yanmar 6AYM-WET(M) four-stroke diesel engines, each delivering 610 kW at 1,900 rpm, Sora 22 achieves a maximum speed of 18 knots and cruises comfortably at 16 knots. The propulsion system, featuring twin screw propellers driven through marine gearing, ensures dependable performance for daily offshore operations.
Based in Doha, Sora Marine Services is a 100% Qatari-owned company providing a wide range of marine solutions from crew transfer and logistics to nearshore dive support.
With the introduction of Sora 22, the company reinforces its commitment to supporting Qatar’s energy ambitions, combining local expertise with world-class engineering to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient offshore transport.
NMDC Energy, a leading provider of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for offshore and onshore energy clients, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Baker Hughes in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership aims to enhance localisation of Baker Hughes’ key products and solutions in the Kingdom's offshore energy sector, supporting markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and India (MENATI).
Leveraging NMDC Energy’s advanced facilities, particularly its yards in Saudi Arabia, the collaboration will focus on offshore products and services to meet the growing needs of the offshore market. Planned initiatives include an Emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS) project and the establishment of a logistics base to support flexible pipeline systems across the Kingdom and the wider MENATI region.
This agreement follows a separate MoU between NMDC Energy and Baker Hughes covering gas technology products. The company has recently strengthened partnerships with several regional and international firms during ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its position as a leading EPC service provider in the energy sector.
Earlier this year, NMDC Energy inaugurated its state-of-the-art fabrication yard in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia. Located within the Ras Al-Khair Special Economic Zone, the 400,000 sq m facility has an annual production capacity of 40,000 tons and integrates automation and digital systems to deliver comprehensive fabrication, rigging, maintenance, and modularisation services for large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
Eng. Ahmed Al Dhaheri, chief executive officer of NMDC Energy, said, “NMDC Energy’s fabrication capabilities have drawn global players, particularly leading entities such as Baker Hughes, who share our vision of finding synergies that meet the evolving energy sector demands in the Kingdom and the wider MENATI region. As a strategic enabler of Saudi Arabia’s energy sector through global partnerships, NMDC Energy is committed to finding new pathways towards increased localisation in the Kingdom, supporting economic growth, job creation, and diversification.”
ADNOC has unveiled its AI-powered Production System Optimisation (AiPSO) platform, marking a new era of data-driven efficiency in upstream operations.
The technology, initially rolled out across eight fields, cements ADNOC’s ambition to become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company, setting a new benchmark for innovation in oil and gas productivity.
Developed in collaboration with SLB, the AiPSO platform is powered by SLB’s Lumi data and AI platform and enhanced with Cognite Data Fusion. The system harnesses millions of real-time data points, artificial intelligence, and ADNOC’s proprietary machine learning models to proactively monitor, analyse, and optimise the performance of thousands of wells and hundreds of processing facilities.
Through this integration of advanced digital intelligence, AiPSO transforms how engineers interact with production systems—reducing diagnosis and optimisation time from days to mere minutes. By connecting field and office operations in real time, the platform enables smarter, faster, and more collaborative decision-making, ultimately boosting well productivity and workforce efficiency.
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, ADNOC Upstream CEO, said, “AiPSO will transform the productivity of our upstream operations as we work to become the most AI-enabled energy company. This industry-leading solution will support our strategy to increase production capacity while significantly enhancing the productivity of our people by freeing them to pursue value-adding opportunities and completing complex tasks up to ten times faster.”
Following its successful pilot, ADNOC plans to deploy AiPSO across all onshore and offshore fields by 2027, expanding its AI-driven transformation throughout the entire production chain.
Olivier Le Peuch, SLB CEO, added, “The AiPSO platform is an example of SLB’s ambition to combine artificial intelligence and domain expertise to drive improvements in production and recovery. We are proud to continue our collaboration with ADNOC to jointly deliver advanced digital and AI solutions that drive long-term value and operational resilience for ADNOC both today and tomorrow.”
AiPSO also complements ENERGYai, the first agentic AI solution co-developed by ADNOC and AIQ, showcasing the company’s cohesive AI strategy aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability across operations.
This announcement reinforces SLB’s growing AI ecosystem, following the recent launch of its Tela agentic-AI assistant, its collaboration with AIQ to advance ENERGYai, and last year’s introduction of the Lumi data and AI platform.
Together, ADNOC and SLB are not just optimising production - they are redefining the future of intelligent energy systems, where data and AI converge to power smarter, faster, and more sustainable operations.
Enersol has announced the launch of Video While Fishing (VWF), an innovative service developed through the first-ever collaboration between its portfolio companies, Deep Well Services (DWS) and EV.
The milestone was unveiled at ADIPEC, one of the world’s leading energy events, held in Abu Dhabi.
The partnership signifies the start of Enersol’s mission to introduce cutting-edge technology and AI-powered innovations to the Middle East’s energy industry.
VWF integrates EV’s downhole video technology with DWS’s patented Hydraulic Completion and Intervention Units (HCUs), allowing operators to visually guide fishing operations with exceptional accuracy. The result is faster, smarter, and more efficient well interventions.
Dean Watson, CEO of Enersol, said, “This is more than a product launch, it’s a proof point of what Enersol was built to do. By bringing together the strengths of DWS and EV, we’re solving real-world challenges with real-time intelligence. This is the first of many collaborations that will unlock the full potential of our portfolio, delivering measurable impact, faster recovery, and smarter operations across the region.”
Instead of relying on guesswork, operators can now see exactly what’s happening downhole, identifying stuck objects, assessing conditions and orientation, and carrying out retrievals with confidence. This visual capability transforms fishing from a reactive process into a proactive, data-driven operation.
The launch of VWF highlights Enersol’s commitment to integrating AI, machine learning, and advanced diagnostics into traditional oilfield operations. This approach enhances performance, reduces non-productive time, and accelerates well returns.
As the UAE continues to lead the global energy transformation, Enersol is proud to support this vision by providing next-generation solutions that blend American innovation with Emirati ambition.
As the world’s largest energy event, ADIPEC is the ideal platform to experience the innovation Enersol is bringing to the Middle East and beyond.
Energy technology company, Baker Hughes, has entered a deal with Aramco to expand its integrated underbalanced coiled tubing drilling (UBCTD) operations across Saudi Arabia’s natural gas fields.
The multi-year agreement secures scope for current UBCTD fleet expansion from four to 10 units for re-entry and greenfield drilling projects across fields in the Kingdom. The integrated solutions will cover every aspect of the UBCTD operations, including coiled tubing drilling units, underbalanced drilling services, operational management, well construction, and geosciences to scale and accelerate their access to gas from new and established fields.
“This project is the result of nearly two decades of successful collaboration between Baker Hughes and Aramco, which have set the standard for UBCTD,” said Amerino Gatti, executive vice president of Oilfield Services & Equipment at Baker Hughes. “By combining advanced technologies with a holistic, integrated approach, we can support Aramco to more efficiently access bypassed and hard-to-reach hydrocarbons and produce the resources that help the Kingdom thrive. This expansion sets the stage for further innovation in UBCTD, which has the potential to shape how oil and gas are produced around the world.”
The integrated approach to UBCTD includes CoilTrak bottomhole assembly (BHA) system and enhanced reservoir analysis driven by GaffneyCline energy advisory. The combined effect of these technologies and insights result in smooth navigation of the subsurface environment during horizontal drilling and re-entry operations. These, backed by holistic project management services, will lead to enhanced production efficiency, speed and safety while mitigating reservoir damage when compared to traditional development methods.
Work under the expanded agreement is scheduled to commence in 2026.
Dubai-based offshore vessel operator Astro Offshore, part of the Adani Group, has reached a major milestone by adding its 50th vessel to the fleet.
The company has welcomed the Astro Achernar, an advanced 88-metre DP2 diesel-electric multipurpose support vessel (MPSV), designed to enhance its offshore support and subsea operations.
The newly acquired Astro Achernar comes equipped with accommodation for 222 personnel and a 100-tonne active heave-compensated (AHC) crane, boosting the firm’s capabilities across complex offshore projects.
“This milestone represents more than just a number, it’s a reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our team across every level of the organisation,” said Mark Humphreys, CEO of Astro Offshore. “With the addition of Astro Achernar, we continue to strengthen our fleet, expand our capabilities, and position Astro as a trusted partner in delivering safe, efficient, and versatile offshore support.”
The expansion reflects a period of exceptional growth for Astro Offshore, which has doubled its fleet from 25 to 50 vessels in just 12 months. Over the past six weeks alone, the company has added seven new vessels, with the Astro Achernar marking the eighth in this rapid phase of development.
This strategic growth highlights Astro Offshore’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions and maintaining its reputation as one of the region’s most reliable offshore support providers. With a focus on safety, innovation, and operational excellence, the company continues to strengthen its position in the global offshore market.
Malaysian offshore services provider Vantris Energy, formerly known as Sapura Energy, has signed a significant long-term agreement with Saudi Aramco to support its offshore operations.
According to a recent Bursa Malaysia filing, the agreement covers the provision of diving support vessels, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and the deployment of highly skilled diving and technical personnel. These resources will assist Aramco in a range of offshore activities, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
The contract is set to commence on 1 May 2027 and will continue until 30 April 2034. It includes services such as inspection, survey, photography, non-destructive testing, structural maintenance, and repair work. While financial terms were not disclosed, the deal is expected to make a positive contribution to Vantris Energy’s earnings and further strengthen its order book.
“This achievement validates our strategic direction to strengthen our operations and maintenance portfolio while expanding beyond Malaysian waters,” said Muhammad Zamri Jusoh CEO of Vantris Energy.
This agreement marks another step in Vantris Energy’s strategy to grow its presence in the global offshore services market.
Fugro announced that it would showcase its latest digital innovations in offshore asset management at ADIPEC 2025, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 3–6 November.
Visitors to Fugro’s booth would see how the company was transforming conventional inspection workflows through advanced digital solutions, uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and AI-powered analytics — all aimed at helping clients make faster decisions, lower costs and enhance sustainability.
Presented under the theme “Digital Geo-data”, Fugro’s exhibit would demonstrate how cutting-edge technology was redefining the monitoring and maintenance of offshore infrastructure. Among the key technologies were high-resolution 3D point clouds that replaced static drawings with interactive, navigable visuals; digital twins offering continuously updated virtual replicas of offshore assets for improved planning and maintenance; and AI-driven systems that automatically detected corrosion, flooded members and structural anomalies to enable predictive maintenance.
Fugro’s integrated approach focused on continuous, intelligent inspection using USVs to perform regular remote surveys. The data collected from these missions fed into AI platforms that identified potential issues before they developed into critical problems. This proactive system helped clients avoid costly downtime, strengthen asset reliability and make informed operational decisions.
The benefits of this digital transformation were clear: improved efficiency, reduced operational expenses and comprehensive datasets to support long-term asset management strategies. Fugro’s remote and autonomous technologies also contributed to sustainability objectives by reducing offshore vessel time and lowering CO₂ emissions, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible offshore industry.
The Qatar BH EPIC EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) project is set to take off as Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC) has kick-started meetings for the project development in Tianjin and Singapore.
This marks the full-scale launch of the largest international offshore oil and gas EPC project contracted by a Chinese company to date. Playing an important role in developing high-quality international oil and gas collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, the project will take China-Qatar energy cooperation to new heights.
Situated in the Bul Hanine (BH) oilfield in the Qatari waters of the Persian Gulf, about 100 kms east of the country's coastline, the project will be developed by QatarEnergy with substantial investments. It has a maximum water depth of approximately 40 meters.
Beyond its record-breaking contract value, the project also stands out for its unprecedented scope and technical complexity. It includes more than 60 offshore oil-and-gas facilities, as well as 40 subsea pipelines and cables, and covers the modification of existing platforms and the decommissioning of obsolete facilities.
The full-scale launch of the BH EPIC project will deepen energy cooperation between China and Qatar, and play an important role in advancing energy partnerships among The Belt and Road countries.
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), part of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), announced the discovery of the Jaza Offshore Gas Field on Monday, which has achieved the highest vertical well output ever recorded from the Minagish formation in Kuwait
This marks a significant milestone following a series of successful maritime exploration ventures, including the discovery of the Al Nokhatha field in July 2024 and the Al Jlaiaa field in January 2025, according to KPC's statement.
Initial tests on the Jaza-1 well have shown impressive production levels, with natural gas output exceeding 29 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) and condensates exceeding 5,000 barrels per day (BPD). The reservoir stands out due to its low carbon dioxide content, the complete absence of hydrogen sulfide, and the lack of associated water, making it a rare and environmentally significant find in the region.
The initial assessed area of the field spans about 40 square kilometres, with early estimates placing its reserves at around 1 trillion standard cubic feet of gas and over 120 million barrels of condensate. This equates to approximately 350 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE). KOC noted that these early figures are subject to revision, with further exploration across the field's prospects likely to increase the overall reserves.
QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy giant of Qatar, has taken a significant step to expand its oil and gas exploration portfolio by securing a stake in an offshore block in Egypt.
The company has entered into a deal with Shell, subject to approval by the Egyptian government, granting QatarEnergy a 27% participating interest in the North Cleopatra exploration block. Shell will continue to operate the block with a 36% share, while Chevron holds 27% and Tharwa Petroleum Company has 10%.
The North Cleopatra block is situated in Egypt’s frontier Herodotus basin, covering more than 3,400 square kilometres and reaching water depths of up to 2,600 meters. Positioned north of the North El-Dabaa block, where QatarEnergy already holds a 23% stake, this new venture further strengthens the company's exploration activities in the region.
Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President of QatarEnergy, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, noting that the acquisition expands QatarEnergy’s presence in Egypt’s upstream sector. He also thanked the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and the company's partners for their ongoing support and cooperation.
This move comes soon after QatarEnergy, in partnership with TotalEnergies and SNPC, won an offshore exploration permit in Congo, further boosting its international growth ambitions.
Perenco North Sinai Petroleum, a subsidiary of Egypt Kuwait Holding (EKH), has signed a new agreement with Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoMPR) to extend its tenure over the North Sinai Offshore concession until 2035, according to various news reports.
Under the 10-year reassignment, the company is committed to drilling three new exploratory oil and gas wells in the concession area.
The agreement was finalised during Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi’s September visit to Perenco’s facilities in North Sinai. The extension aims to unlock further exploration potential and expand reserves, aligning with Egypt’s national strategy to raise hydrocarbon output and safeguard future energy supplies.
Badawi noted that the deal reflects the growing trust of international investors in Egypt’s energy sector. He highlighted the ministry’s competitive licensing rounds as a key driver of new exploration partnerships, which in turn support higher production levels and meet local market needs.
Jon Rokk, CEO of EKH, described the extension as evidence of the company’s long-term commitment to Egypt.
“This agreement is a clear demonstration of the company’s role as a trusted partner in advancing Egypt’s energy future. By leveraging our strong track record and global partnerships, we are creating new exploration opportunities, transferring know-how, and generating high-value jobs for Egyptian youth.”
The reassignment was signed by Raafat El-Beltagy, CEO and representative of Perenco companies, and Salah Abdel Kerim, CEO of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), in the presence of Minister Badawi and EKH’s leadership.
Perenco North Sinai Petroleum, previously known as Offshore North Sinai, has operated the concession since 2014. The company currently runs six wells across a 443 sq km block in the Mediterranean, holding additional reserves of 223 bcf as of 31 December 2024, and averaging daily production of 53 mmscf/d last year.
Founded in 1997 and listed on both the Egyptian and Kuwaiti stock exchanges, EKH has expanded over the past two decades into one of the region’s fastest-growing investment firms, with a diverse portfolio across the Middle East and North Africa.
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