U.S.-headquartered technology player SLB has signed off on a long-term stimulation assignment on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) with Norway’s state-owned energy giant Equinor.
SLB and Equinor’s multi-year agreement for advanced reservoir stimulation services across the Norwegian Continental Shelf will result in a major upgrade of the MV Island Captain well stimulation vessel to secure additional capability for tight offshore reservoirs. The ship will be converted into a fully proppant-capable stimulation vessel.
This move will not only enable dedicated capacity to support development of tight offshore reservoirs but also help maximize recovery from future wells. The vessel upgrades will include expanded proppant storage, advanced handling and blending systems, increased pumping capacity, and an optimized deck layout for complex stimulation operations.
Following the upgrade, the ship will be able to carry up to 2 million pounds of proppant, enabling high-intensity offshore treatments across the NCS. SLB explains that tight reservoirs are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of offshore resource development.
Since unlocking these resources requires specialized stimulation systems capable of delivering high-intensity treatments efficiently and reliably, the U.S. firm claims that its deal with the Norwegian operator is helping establish the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of tight-reservoir developments in Norway.
Ole Christian Meldahl , Managing Director, Scandinavia, SLB, commented: “This agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between Equinor and SLB. The upgrade of the Island Captain represents an important investment in offshore stimulation capability for the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
“Together, this dedicated capacity and specialized equipment will help support future reservoir developments across the region.”
SLB is busy with assignments across multiple regions, including Southeast Asia, where it won offshore drilling services work in Indonesia a few months ago.