Equinor awarded to SLB a multi-year agreement for advanced reservoir stimulation services on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS ) the contract includes a comprehensive modernization of the MV Island Captain, a vessel intended for offshore well stimulation operations.
The initiative seeks to ensure specialized capacity for future developments in compact deposits in Norwegian waters. These resources require stimulation treatments capable of improving hydrocarbon flow and promoting well recovery.
Furthermore, the modernization will allow for more intensive operations by increasing the capacity to transport, handle, and pump proppants during offshore interventions.
MV Island Captain will increase its stimulation capacity
As part of the agreement, the MV Island Captain will be converted into a stimulation vessel with full propping capability this adaptation will allow for an expansion of the scope of operations carried out from the vessel.
The planned modifications include increased proppant storage capacity, advanced systems for handling and mixing proppant, and greater pumping capacity. The deck will also be redesigned to facilitate complex well stimulation operations.
After the work is completed, the ship will have the capacity to transport up to 2 million pounds of proppant this volume will allow for the development of high-intensity offshore treatments in different assets on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
The availability of this material is especially relevant in certain stimulation treatments. Proppants help keep the fractures created in the formation open to facilitate the flow of hydrocarbons towards the well.
Equinor aims to develop tight reservoirs in the NCS
Furthermore, the agreement responds to the growing interest in the compact deposits offshore within the future development of resources in Norway. These formations exhibit low permeability and require specialized techniques to improve their productivity.
Having dedicated stimulation capacity will allow Equinor to have infrastructure ready for future wells in the NCS. In turn, SLB will contribute equipment and services designed to efficiently execute high-intensity treatments.
The contract also strengthens the existing collaboration between both companies, Ole Christian Meldahl SLB’s general manager for Scandinavia noted that the agreement is based on a long-standing relationship between Equinor and SLB.
Likewise, the adaptation of MV Island Captain it seeks to establish specific offshore capacity to address a new generation of developments in tight reservoirs. The technical objective will be to improve production conditions and contribute to maximizing the recovery of future wells.
With this modernization, Equinor will ensure specialized capacity for its programs stimulation of reservoirs on the Norwegian Continental Shelf while the Island Captain will expand its role as a platform for more intensive offshore treatments.
Source: Oil Gas Journal
Photo: Shutterstock
