European firm signs offshore services contract for ‘major’ Abu Dhabi field development

Netherlands-based geotechnical firm Fugro has won a contract from a leading Middle Eastern client to carry out extensive offshore surveys in Abu Dhabi.

Fugro confirmed the development on Monday, saying it would conduct an investigation “to support one of the UAE’s largest long-term oilfield development projects”.

While Fugro did not name the winning project or operator, Upstream understands it is involved in one of several field development projects being executed by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).

“From April 2023, Fugro will undertake a series of offshore surveys, including geophysical, geotechnical and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspections, supported by advanced engineering and geoconsulting studies to help provide information [and] design,” the company said.

“The project included approximately 600 kilometers of pipeline route assessment, 800 intersections, 49 jacket surveys and offshore island surveys,” Fugro said.

The Dutch company will use Fugro’s remote data management solution to provide “near real-time insight into conditions on the ground”.

“Available through Fugro’s digital platform, these insights will enable customers to reduce uncertainty related to surface conditions, make timely and informed design decisions, and realize significant capital expenditure savings throughout the field development program,” it added.

Tim Lyle, Group Director Middle East and India at Fugro, said the contract will enable the contractor to support the client’s vision and sustainability goals, while strengthening its commitment to the UAE’s Inland Value (ICV).

Adnoc Expansion Plan

Adnoc plans $150 billion in capital spending over five years as it prepares to bring forward its 5 million barrels per day oil production target to 2027 amid improving market fundamentals.

As part of its accelerated growth strategy, the company’s board last year approved bringing forward Adnoc’s 5 million bpd oil capacity expansion plan from its previous 2030 target.

The Abu Dhabi operator is also spending billions of dollars to develop the complex Hail & Ghasha sour gas field, which could add 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of gas production over the next few years.

OPEC oil and gas majors, including Saudi Aramco and AdNok, are operating with limited fluctuating capacity near peak production levels, making them rework investment plans and accelerate upstream strategy development.

Adnoc is likely to deliver billions of dollars worth of engineering, procurement and construction projects in the coming years.