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.
The UAE’s offshore sector is poised for a major expansion, with nearly 83,000 skilled positions expected to be created within the next five years, according to new analysis from recruitment specialist Robert Walters.
The report forecasts that the industry could inject as much as US$7bn (Dh25.7bn) into the national economy by 2030, compared to its current contribution of US$4.79bn. This represents growth of around 46 per cent, underscoring the offshore industry’s increasing role in the country’s economic diversification.
Traditionally linked to oil exploration and drilling, offshore activity now encompasses a wider range of operations carried out beyond coastal waters, from energy extraction to advanced infrastructure development. For decades, global and local companies have maintained a strong presence in the UAE, employing thousands across these activities.
Phill Brown, head of market intelligence at Robert Walters, said the findings reflect how offshoring is shifting from a cost-saving measure to a strategic driver of growth.
Several factors underpin this momentum: the UAE’s strategic position linking Europe, Asia, and Africa; its business-friendly environment; a digitally advanced infrastructure; and strong government support for innovation and new technologies.
As a result, more international firms are relocating complex offshore functions to the Emirates. Demand is rising for professionals in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and product analysis, signalling a shift toward knowledge-based roles rather than traditional manual offshore work.
By positioning itself as a hub for offshore talent and innovation, the UAE is expected to capture a growing share of this evolving sector, further cementing its role as a global business and energy leader.
Astro Offshore, part of the Adani Group, has taken another significant step in expanding its offshore fleet with the en bloc acquisition of five additional DP2 vessels.
This move increases the company’s total fleet size to 49, including 15 DP2 units, five of which feature diesel-electric technology.
The newly acquired vessels include four platform supply vessels (PSVs), two powered by diesel-electric systems, and one advanced 86-metre multipurpose supply vessel fitted with a 160-tonne crane. This purchase builds on the company’s recent addition of two modern PSVs and further strengthens Astro’s ability to deliver flexible, future-ready solutions across key offshore regions.
Industry observers see the acquisition as a strategic effort to expand Astro’s reach in West Africa while enhancing its operational capacity and geographical flexibility. By investing in diesel-electric vessels, the company underlines its commitment to smarter, cleaner, and more efficient offshore operations. Three of these advanced vessels form part of the latest deal, while two more sister vessels, Sagitta and Sculptor, are expected to join the fleet in the coming weeks.
Mark Humphreys, CEO of Astro Offshore, said,“This latest acquisition further enhances our global presence in the offshore sector and reaffirms our commitment to meeting both the current and future needs of our valued clients. The en-bloc transaction underscores our ambition to operate one of the world’s youngest and most efficient fleets. We are excited to bring this new tonnage into service and look forward to supporting our customers on a truly global scale.”
Astro explains that these acquisitions mark a crucial step in deepening its relationships with end users, offering assets capable of supporting long-term charters with both national and international oil companies. The inclusion of additional PSVs and continued investment in its workboat fleet positions the company to play a more active role in production support and to meet the evolving demands of offshore operators worldwide.
With its strengthened fleet, Astro Offshore continues to align its operations with global energy market needs, focusing on efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
Subsea7 has confirmed the award of a significant project under its long-term agreement (LTA) with Aramco, targeting offshore infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
The scope of the contract covers engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of 106 kilometres of infield and export pipelines. It also includes modifications to existing topside structures and associated hook-up activities.
Project engineering and management will commence immediately from Subsea7’s offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with offshore execution planned across 2027 and 2028.
David Bertin, Senior Vice President for Subsea7’s Global Projects Centre East, said, “This project marks another important milestone and reinforces our long-term strategic engagement with Aramco. We look forward to working closely with the client to deliver this project safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.”
This award highlights Subsea7’s continued presence in the Middle East and its strategic alignment with Aramco’s offshore development initiatives. The project strengthens regional operations and demonstrates Subsea7’s capability to deliver complex offshore energy solutions in partnership with key clients.
Tekmar Group, based in the UK, has secured another significant contract in the Middle East, continuing its strong momentum in the region
This new deal, valued at over $10 million, involves the provision of Tekmar's advanced cable protection system, TekDuct, and engineered ballast modules for an offshore energy project in the United Arab Emirates.
The contract is with a leading international engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. Under the agreement, Tekmar will design and manufacture its polyurethane cable protection system, with work beginning immediately and final delivery scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
Richard Turner, CEO of Tekmar Group, said, “We are delighted to partner again with this major customer on a significant energy project. This award reflects our strong presence and track record in the Middle East and underpins our position as a market leader in supporting customers with high-quality engineered asset protection technology."
He added, “This contract is also an important marker as we translate our healthy pipeline to good quality orders and build the platform for sustained growth for 2026 and beyond.”
Earlier this year, Tekmar also announced a contract for the supply of bespoke subsea infrastructure technology for a pipeline project in the Middle East, though the exact location has not been disclosed. In August, the company secured two offshore grouting contracts in Qatar, valued at approximately $1.6 million, to support subsea infrastructure inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) campaigns.
HIMA Group, the global safety automation expert, is setting new benchmarks for functional safety in the offshore industry. The company is showcasing its expanded portfolio, which combines decades of expertise with next-generation digitalisation to enhance safety, security, and efficiency across oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon storage operations.
With Sella Controls and Origo Solutions now part of the HIMA Group, operators and contractors benefit from powerful synergies and a broadened offering that covers the entire safety automation value chain. Together, the group is delivering unmatched consulting, engineering, and project execution expertise across conventional and renewable offshore projects.
At the heart of HIMA’s portfolio is its independent open safety platform, which integrates hardware and software on a single technology base. Certified by TÜV, Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas and DNV, the platform enables functional safety, OT security, and compliance with international standards, while also driving process efficiency and improving plant availability.
Under its #safetygoesdigital strategy, HIMA is accelerating the transition toward digitalised safety lifecycle management. This includes innovative tools like Safety Lifecycle Digitalisation (SLD) Cockpits, which use dashboards and data-driven monitoring to optimise productivity, streamline compliance, and improve safety outcomes.
HIMA Group's solutions are employed all over the world, but especially in the Middle East through the HIMA Middle East division located in Dubai.
The group’s proven solutions extend from high-integrity pressure protection systems (HIPPS) with Planar 4 technology for critical offshore applications, to turbomachinery control solutions with SIL3 compliance and advanced load-sharing capabilities. Origo Solutions’ SCADA+ platform brings flexible control and visualisation across wind, hydrogen, and oil and gas plants, now further enriched by HIMA integration. Meanwhile, FLOWorX® delivers comprehensive pipeline management and leak detection with high sensitivity and real-time monitoring, also suitable for hydrogen applications.
Other highlights include SafeHMI, a new approach to safe plant operations with inherent safety features and digitalised management of change. These developments reflect HIMA’s vision of building a future where digitalisation strengthens safety and resilience across the offshore sector.
By uniting the expertise of HIMA, Sella Controls, and Origo Solutions, the group is shaping the future of functional safety in offshore operations and reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for energy companies navigating both traditional and renewable transitions.
EnerMech has been awarded a two-year extension to its existing contract with Dubai Petroleum, continuing its role in delivering crane maintenance services across the operator’s offshore assets in the Middle East.
The original agreement, which began in 2022, included an optional extension clause that Dubai Petroleum has now activated. Under this renewed commitment, EnerMech will carry on providing both planned and corrective maintenance, deploying dedicated personnel across multiple offshore locations.
The extended scope also involves additional on-call services, as well as onshore repair and refurbishment of crane components. This includes sourcing spare parts and offering engineering upgrades for outdated or obsolete equipment—ensuring ongoing operational safety and efficiency.
The United Arab Emirates and the broader Middle East remain a key strategic focus for EnerMech. The company has significantly strengthened its footprint in the region through a number of recent contract wins, all aligned with its long-term goal of expanding services to local energy sector clients.
“We are ambitious in our aims in the Middle East and the extension of this contract is material evidence of the fine work that our regional team has undertaken for Dubai Petroleum over the initial phase of work.
“Our lifting solutions service line personnel are renowned for delivering safe, efficient operations which provide our customers with industry leading capabilities and I commend them for achieving this strategically important extension,” said Charles ‘Chuck’ Davison Jr., EnerMech CEO.
The extension reflects both Dubai Petroleum’s confidence in EnerMech’s capabilities and the company's growing reputation for delivering safe, high-performance lifting solutions. With a focus on quality service, safety, and technical expertise, EnerMech continues to build strong partnerships within the offshore energy sector.
As the region pushes forward with infrastructure upgrades and asset integrity improvements, EnerMech’s continued presence positions it as a trusted service provider supporting critical offshore operations in the Gulf.
Halliburton has announced the launch of SK Well Pages, a new addition to its Summit Knowledge (SK) digital ecosystem, aimed at transforming how electric submersible pump (ESP) operations are managed.
This integrated platform enhances decision-making and production optimisation through the use of AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics.
Part of Halliburton’s wider strategy to digitise oilfield operations, SK Well Pages provides a unified workspace tailored for ESP and HPS (horizontal pump systems) operations. It consolidates engineering, manufacturing, and real-time operational data to offer a complete, up-to-date view of performance. The platform also introduces automated workflows, improving both quality control and operational efficiency.
Designed with usability in mind, SK Well Pages includes customisable dashboards that offer clear visualisations of pump performance, surface sensors, and production trends. This enables proactive real-time monitoring and supports faster, more informed decision-making.
The platform is fully integrated with Halliburton’s advanced digital tools, including SpyGlass, for accurate pump sizing, and the Intelevate platform, which provides remote monitoring and control. Intelligent alerts, predictive models, and trend analysis help reduce downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
Greg Schneider, vice president, Artificial Lift, Halliburton, said, “We provide customers with advanced digital tools that give them clarity and control to make confident decisions. The Summit Knowledge digital ecosystem with SK Well Pages is a powerful step forward in the journey of how we deliver digital innovation for superior ESP optimisation.”
With SK Well Pages, Halliburton continues to drive innovation in artificial lift technology, offering oilfield operators a smarter, more connected way to optimise production.
Expro, a global provider of energy services, has achieved a significant breakthrough in its international operations with the successful delivery of the world’s first fully remote five-plug cementing operation in Saudi Arabia. This marks a major step forward in the company’s strategic expansion across the Middle East and showcases its dedication to innovation, safety, and advanced engineering in the well construction space.
The landmark operation was carried out using Expro’s Generation-X Remote Plug Launcher (RPL) and the SkyHook cement-line make-up device—two proprietary technologies designed to automate complex cementing processes. This fully hands-free system enabled a multi-stage cementing job to be completed without any red-zone entry or man-riding operations, setting a new benchmark for operational safety and remote performance in the field.
This latest achievement builds on Expro’s initial cementing job in the Kingdom, completed in January. That successful operation laid the groundwork for rapid growth in the region, culminating in the delivery of this more complex five-plug job in May. Both operations reflect Expro’s deliberate progression from market entry to technology leadership, highlighting the scalability, precision, and reliability of its automated cementing solutions in high-demand environments.
The recent five-plug operation involved cementing a 9-5/8” casing in a high-pressure gas well—the longest of its kind in the field. All five components were pre-loaded into the modular Generation-X RPL in a controlled environment and launched remotely at the well site with high accuracy. This significantly reduced rig time, eliminated high-risk manual tasks, and improved cement placement and zonal isolation-critical factors in maintaining long-term well integrity.
“Our entry into Saudi Arabia is more than just geographic expansion – it’s about transforming cementing operations through advanced engineering,” said Jeremy Angelle, Vice President of Well Construction at Expro. “This breakthrough showcases our Generation-X and SkyHook technologies as world-class innovations that drive measurable safety and efficiency gains.”
Additional deployments of these technologies across the region have further validated their performance, with one customer achieving cement displacement rates of up to 13 bpm through the top drive—delivering cleaner wellbores, quicker casing-to-cement transitions, and shorter wellbore static times.
“Both the Generation-X launcher and SkyHook system were designed with safety, control, and field adaptability in mind,” Angelle added. “To see them deliver such strong results in a new region is a proud moment, and a signal of what’s possible as we grow our well construction capabilities globally.”
Expro continues to invest in expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabia and beyond, aligning its offerings with evolving customer needs in oil, gas, and geothermal markets. With proven success and growing demand, its remote cementing solutions are now poised for wider global adoption.
Saudi Arabia’s ADES International Holding has signed a deal to acquire rival offshore rig operator Shelf Drilling in a transaction valued at US$379.8mn.
The deal, subject to shareholder approval and other closing conditions, is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Once finalised, the combined entity will operate 83 offshore jack-up rigs, including 46 premium units, across key shallow-water basins worldwide, with a total backlog of US$9.45bn as of 30 June 2025.
ADES anticipates achieving annual operational cost synergies of US$40mn-50mn over the medium term and plans to settle Shelf Drilling’s existing debt obligations. The company also said it would work to optimise the new group’s capital structure and operational efficiency.
Dr. Mohamed Farouk, CEO of ADES, said, "Over the past years, we have unlocked new geographies and deepened our strategic reach. With this landmark transaction, we reinforce our position as a market leader in shallow-water offshore drilling, offering superior services to our client base alongside enhanced scale, asset quality and operational reach.
“As part of the transaction, we will add 33 jackups and a dedicated, experienced workforce, supporting expansion into additional regions and further strengthening our global footprint.”
“Today’s announcement delivers immediate and compelling value to our shareholders, reflecting both the strength of our business and the dedication of our employees. Over the past 13 years, Shelf Drilling has built a resilient company with an outstanding safety track record and a reputation for operational excellence.
“This transaction unites two highly complementary organizations, and we are confident that the combination will unlock the full strategic value of our global fleet and operations. We look forward to working closely with the ADES team to ensure a seamless and successful integration,” said Greg O’Brien, CEO of Shelf Drilling.
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