SLB has signed a multi-year agreement to provide stimulation services to Equinor for its Norwegian Continental Shelf operation, supporting development of tight offshore reservoirs and maximizing recovery from future wells.

The arrangement includes conversion/upgrades of the MV Island Captain well stimulation vessel to accommodate up to 2 million pounds of proppant, modern handling and blending systems, increased pumping capacity, and adaptation of the deck layout for complex stimulation tasks.

Tight reservoirs are becoming an increasingly important part of Norway's future offshore resource base, with operators and regulators focused on technologies that can improve recovery rates and support development of more challenging reservoirs.

Following the upgrades, the vessel will be able to perform high-intensity offshore treatments.

This should help Equinor access its tight reservoirs offshore Norway, which is also a priority for the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.

Industry impact

The agreement provides dedicated offshore stimulation capacity at a time when operators are evaluating increasingly complex reservoir targets. By upgrading the vessel, Equinor and SLB are establishing infrastructure intended to support future tight-reservoir developments and maximize recovery from offshore wells on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.