Earlier this year, TotalEnergies signed a deal with Austrian oil and gas firm OMV to acquire the latter’s 50% stake in SapuraOMV Upstream for $903m.

Both the deals are contingent on preceding conditions such as regulatory approvals. The closing of the OMV deal is expected by the end of the first half of 2024 while the latest deal is likely to be finalised in the second half of this year.

TotalEnergies chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said: “Following the transaction with OMV announced two months ago and this new transaction with Sapura Upstream Assets, TotalEnergies will have full ownership of SapuraOMV and become a significant gas operator in Malaysia.

“The SapuraOMV assets are fully in line with our strategy to grow our gas production to meet demand growth, focusing our portfolio on low-cost and low-emission assets. We look forward to strengthening our global partnership with Petronas in Malaysia, a country where we see further development opportunities for our Company.”

SapuraOMV Upstream’s primary assets include a 40% operated interest in block SK408 and a 30% operated interest in block SK310, both situated offshore Sarawak in Malaysia.

In 2023, SapuraOMV Upstream’s operated production reached approximately 500,000 cubic feet per day (500Mcf/d) of natural gas, supplying the Bintulu LNG plant operated by Petronas, along with 7,000 barrels per day (7kb/d) of condensates.

The development of the Jerun gas field in block SK408 remains on schedule for a launch in the latter half of 2024. Additionally, SapuraOMV Upstream holds exploration licenses in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico, with a discovery made last year on block 30.

Sapura Energy said that it has been actively seeking to divest its stake in SapuraOMV Upstream as part of its restructuring efforts to manage its unsustainable debt and outstanding payments.

The net proceeds from the divestment will primarily be used to settle the amounts owed to Sapura Energy’s scheme creditors, which include its lenders from the multi-currency financing arrangements.

Sapura Energy Group CEO Datuk Mohd Anuar Taib said: “We are pleased with the outcome of this divestment, which we believe is fair and equitable.

“With full ownership of SapuraOMV, we are confident that TotalEnergies will provide the right focus to further develop the growth potential of its assets. This portfolio rationalisation marks our strategic shift away from the Exploration & Production business, as we enhance our core capabilities to deliver innovative solutions to the dynamic energy industry.”

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The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the proposed transaction.

Aramco said that the MoU aligns with its plans to expand its downstream presence, advance its liquids-to-chemicals program, and secure long-term crude oil supply agreements.

Hengli Petrochemical, a controlled subsidiary of Hengli Group, owns and operates a 400,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery and integrated chemicals complex in Liaoning Province, China.

The company also operates several plants and production facilities in Jiangsu and Guangdong Provinces.

Aramco downstream president Mohammed Al Qahtani said: “This MoU supports our efforts to grow our global downstream footprint. We continue to explore new opportunities in important markets, as we seek to progress in our liquids-to-chemicals strategy.

“We look forward to forging new partnerships and are excited by the prospect of expanding our presence in the important Chinese market.”

Earlier this year, Aramco signed 40 corporate procurement agreements worth $6bn with suppliers in Saudi Arabia in a move to advance its strategic localisation programme.

The new corporate procurement agreements are expected to contribute towards the company’s resilience, reliability and ability to meet the changing requirements of its customers.

Through the deals, the company intends to its domestic supply chain ecosystem.

They will cover the supply of a range of products, including strategic commodities, instrumentation, electrical and drilling equipment.

Furthermore, the deals will also provide suppliers with long-term visibility of demand, allowing them to capture future growth as well as advance localisation initiatives.

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Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide technology licensing and proprietary engineering design for a 250 KTA phenol plant at SABIC’s Fujian Petrochemical Complex. The final investment decision for this project was announced in January 2024 with expected completion in FY 2026. KBR’s phenol technology offers a sustainable and differentiated solution through reduced energy consumption and improved yields.

“We are excited to offer our industry leading phenol technology to SABIC Fujian for this ambitious project in China,” said Jay Ibrahim, President, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. “KBR’s market-leading phenol technology increases our customers’ competitive advantage and advances their sustainability objectives through superior efficiency, reliability, wastewater recovery and performance.”

KBR is a global technology licensor and has offered its leading phenol technology for more than six decades, completing more than 50 phenol projects worldwide.

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The contract covers Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of a natural gas liquefaction train with an LNG production capacity of 1 Mtpa. The plant will use electric-driven motors instead of conventional gas turbines and will be powered by renewable electricity from a planned nearby solar farm which will cover 100% of the annual power consumption of the LNG plant. This is positioning the site as one of the lowest greenhouse gases intensity LNG plants ever built worldwide. The LNG produced will notably be used as a marine fuel to reduce the sipping industry’s carbon footprint.

The Marsa LNG project is an integrated complex developed by TotalEnergies (80%) and OQ (20%).

Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies, commented, “The world’s net-zero trajectory will require LNG as a critical source of energy, while addressing emissions abatement. TotalEnergies and OQ’s progressive Marsa LNG project is an example of how we can decarbonize the LNG value chain by powering its production with renewable energy and using it as a marine fuel to reduce emissions linked to maritime transportation. By leveraging our innovation and global leadership in LNG infrastructure design and delivery, we are proud to support TotalEnergies and the Sultanate of Oman in providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to the world.”

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The company and its partners Equinor and Sval Energy took a decision to move ahead with the project in December 2021 with an initial investment of NOK3.3bn ($300m). However, the total investments for the project are currently estimated to be around NOK5bn ($454m).

Hanz has been developed through a tieback to the Ivar Aasen platform, situated nearly 15km further south, on the Utsira High. The Ivar Aasen field, which is operated by Aker BP, has been producing since late 2016.

Aker BP is also the operator of the Hanz oil and gas field with a 35% stake. Equinor and Sval Energy hold stakes of 50% and 15%, respectively.

The total reserves of the offshore Norwegian field are about 20 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe). Located in a water depth of 115m, the Hanz field was discovered in 1997.

Aker BP CEO Karl Johnny Hersvik said: “This is yet another great example of what we can achieve working as one team with our suppliers towards a common goal and with shared incentives. In addition, innovative solutions with reuse of infrastructure and use of cross-flow well have contributed to lower costs and lower emissions.

“Development of the Hanz discovery is important for the development of the Ivar Aasen area. Production start from Hanz in 2024 will help us maintain good production from the Ivar Aasen platform.”

Following the delivery of the plan for development and operation (PDO) for the Ivar Aasen area, which encompassed the Hanz development, the project progressed by adopting an optimised development solution through the reuse of subsea production systems (SPS) from the Jette field.

This marks the first instance of production equipment being repurposed in a new field development on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).

Furthermore, the strategy for oil and gas recovery was revised to incorporate the utilisation of a cross-flow well for water injection. This change leads to significant reductions in power consumption, decreased chemical usage, and fewer seabed equipment requirements, said Aker BP.

Projects Edvard Grieg and Ivar Aasen VP Stine Kongshaug McIntosh said: “This development solution will be more cost-efficient and have a smaller environmental footprint than originally planned for. This is in line with Aker BP’s continuous search for improvements, where the goal is to produce with low costs and low emissions.”

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In the realm of offshore wind farm component production, we embark on an exploration of cutting-edge technologies and processes that propel the sea’s renewable energy revolution. With the increasing global emphasis on renewable energy, the demand for dependable and high-capacity machinery has reached an unprecedented level.

These machines are specifically designed to manufacture the colossal wind towers that play an indispensable role in supporting the vital components of turbines. These towers optimize wind capture, ensure structural resilience, and seamlessly transmit the generated power. These crucial factors contribute to the efficient and smooth operation of the wind farms. Furthermore, the sturdy foundations that securely anchor the towering turbines to the seabed, along with a range of meticulously crafted components, form the robust backbone of offshore wind farms.

The Vital Role of Plate Rolls in Offshore Foundation Manufacturing

Offshore wind foundations play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and support of wind turbines in marine environments. The production of these foundations involves a series of specialized processes that are specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges of offshore installation. From strategic design and engineering to the construction of various types of foundations such as monopiles, jackets, tripods, and TPs, every step of the manufacturing process is carried out with utmost professionalism.

With extensive expertise in the wind industry, the Faccin Group delivers top-notch rolling solutions that empower the construction of offshore foundations, including those utilized for floating wind farms. These robust and oversized rolling machines effortlessly bend plates with thicknesses surpassing 150 mm.

The Faccin® 3-roll or 4-roll rolling machines for cans and cones manufacturing stand out due to a multitude of features that further elevate the overall performance. These remarkable machines boast a sturdy design and a heavy-duty base frame, ensuring unparalleled precision in every rolled piece. With their powerful bending force, they enable precise pre-bending of plates. Moreover, their electronic balancing system guarantees maximum precision. The optimized automatic calibration functions not only save valuable production time but also enhance overall efficiency. The hydraulic system of these machines is highly effective, providing high speed while reducing power consumption. The micro positioning technology ensures repeatability and enhanced productivity. Additionally, the special transmission system, along with the centralized lubrication system, guarantees reliability.

Offshore Wind Tower Manufacturing with Advanced Plate Rolling Systems

The fabrication of offshore wind towers encompasses a blend of cutting-edge engineering, steel manufacturing, stringent quality checks, and specialized surface shielding to construct sturdy and durable structures that can withstand the challenging conditions of offshore wind farms.

The utilization of plate rolling systems holds utmost significance in the construction of offshore wind towers. These systems effectively convert flat steel plates into curved, cylindrical, or conical segments through a precisely controlled rolling process. Subsequently, these cylindrical segments are joined through welding techniques to create a robust tower section.

The Faccin® plate rolling system, commonly referred to as the “Faccin® Wind Tower Automation System,” achieves even the most ambitious goals by producing hundreds of cans and cones per month. The system enables the fabrication of pieces boasting an impressive plate thickness of over 100 mm.

It is composed of a heavy-duty and robust 4-roll plate rolling machine. In addition to their large size and capacity, Faccin’s machines symbolize innovation, incorporating advanced features and intelligent automation to streamline the manufacturing process. With sophisticated control systems and precise instrumentation, these machines deliver unmatched accuracy and consistency. To excel in high-volume manufacturing and challenging industrial applications, the machine is equipped with an advanced hydraulic system that not only ensures flawless performance and mass production but also energy efficiency.

The system also includes a motorized feeding table with an alignment device, top and side supports, a clamping system for on board tack-welding, and efficient handling systems. All these accessories are controlled by a highly advanced fully programmable Siemens CNC, which can be operated by a single operator. With its advanced engineering, the Wind Tower Automation System ensures the automation of even the most intricate wind rolling projects.

The FACCIN GROUP Sets the Standard in Metal Forming

The Faccin Group, with its combined experience spanning over two centuries, proudly leads the way in the metal forming industry. Our expertise and innovation set us apart as we shape the future. Our distinguished group brings together leading brands – Faccin^®, Boldrini^®, and Roundo^® – renowned for their excellence in plate rolling, profile bending, and dished-head manufacturing. United under one roof, we offer the widest range of high-quality solutions available on the market.

Our group is committed to driving progress of renewable energy, understanding the important role our technology plays in supporting the growing wind power industry. We offer also a comprehensive range of solutions for the production of onshore towers, as well as door frames and flanges.

For further information, email info@faccingroup.com or meet the Group at WindEnergy in Hamburg, Germany, on Hall B2 – stand EG.352 (24-27 September 2024).

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The FID reaffirms the long-term partnership between TotalEnergies and the Sultanate.

It was announced when TotalEnergies chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné met Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and Minister of Energy and Minerals Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi.

TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Oman LNG to offtake 0.8Mtpa of LNG for ten years from 2025, becoming one of the main offtakers of Oman LNG’s production.

In addition, TotalEnergies and OQ Alternative Energy are in deep talks to jointly develop a portfolio of up to 800MW, including the 300MWp solar project that will supply Marsa LNG.

The joint company, dubbed Marsa Liquefied Natural Gas, will launch the integrated Marsa LNG project, in which TotalEnergies will own 80% stake and OQ the remaining 20%.

TotalEnergies chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said: “We are proud to open a new chapter in our history in the Sultanate of Oman with the launch of the Marsa LNG project, together with our partner OQ, demonstrating our long-term commitment to the country.

“We are especially pleased to deploy the two pillars of our transition strategy, LNG and renewables, and thus support the Sultanate on a new scale in the sustainable development of its energy resources.

“This very innovative project illustrates our pioneer spirit and showcases the relevance of our integrated multi-energy strategy, with the ambition of being a responsible player in the energy transition. By paving the way for the next generation of very low emission LNG plants, Marsa LNG is contributing to making gas a long-term transition energy.”

The LNG project combines 150 Mcf/d of natural gas, coming from the 33.19% interest held by Marsa in the Mabrouk North-East field on the onshore Block 10, to feed the LNG plant.

It includes the construction of a 1Mt/y capacity LNG liquefaction plant in the port of Sohar, which is expected to begin LNG production by the first quarter of 2028.

The LNG plant will primarily serve the marine fuel market (LNG bunkering) in the Gulf, and the LNG quantities not sold as bunker fuel will be off-taken by TotalEnergies and OQ.

Marsa LNG project will use 100% electricity supplied with solar power, where a 300MWp PV solar plant will be dedicated to power the LNG plant, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The solar power will position the site as one of the lowest GHG emissions intensity LNG plants ever built worldwide, with a GHG intensity below 3kg CO2e/boe.

Technip Energies has been awarded the major Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts for the LNG plant and CB&I for the 165,000m³ LNG tank.

Marsa LNG project is expected to generate long-term employment opportunities and significant socio-economic benefits for the city of Sohar and the region, said the French oil and gas firm.

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According to the terms of the contract, Petrofac will deliver technical services across onshore support bases, a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO), and a platform on behalf of the operator GEPetrol.

The Block B offshore development area, which is spread over 500,000 acres in the Gulf of Guinea, contains the Zafiro oil field. The Zafiro field has been in production since 1996.

GEPetrol director general Teresa Isabel Nnang Avomo said: “We are excited to grow our partnership with Petrofac.

“By unlocking the huge potential of our indigenous national workforce, we will build with Petrofac’s assistance, an organisation for the long-term management and development of our country’s oil and gas assets.”

Awarded for five years, the contract will leverage Petrofac’s asset solutions unit’s core services. It includes operations, integrity management, marine services, maintenance, asset integrity, well engineering, supply chain services and project delivery.

According to Petrofac, the new commitment comes after the company’s initial scope supporting the transition of the asset from Mobil Equatorial Guinea (MEGI).

The company also said that it will oversee the contract from Malabo, with additional support from its technical hub in Aberdeen, UK and by leveraging its duty holder expertise.

Petrofac asset solutions business chief operating officer Nick Shorten said: “This award is an excellent example of our strategy in action: selectively growing our geographic footprint and driving value for our clients through late life asset optimisation.

“Africa is a key focus for our Asset Solutions business and we are pleased to build on our operations in Ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal and Mauritania with this opportunity in Equatorial Guinea.”

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Chontaduro 1 encounters 123 feet of net gas pay

The Chontaduro 1 exploration well, located on the 100 percent operated VIM21 Exploration and Production (“E&P”) contract, was spud on April 2, 2024, and reached a total depth of 9,625 feet measured depth (“ft MD”) on April 8, 2024. The well encountered 123 feet true vertical depth of net gas pay with average porosity of 21 percent within the primary Cienaga de Oro (“CDO”) sandstone reservoir.

The CDO reservoir was perforated over a 279 ft MD Interval and the well tied into the Jobo gas treatment facility.

The well started at a production rate of 5 million standard cubic feet per day (“MMscfpd”) for 2 hours at a choke 29/128” and a THP of 2290 psi. The rate was increased to 8 MMscfpd for another 2 hours with the choke at 30/128. The rate was increased increments of 1 MMscfpd over a period of 5 hours and the choke until it reached 12 MMscfpd. The choke at the final rate was 36/128” and a THP of 2260 psi. The well continues to produce at a rate of 12 MMscfpd over the past 29 hours with a stabilized THP of 2260 psi.

The Corporation is currently skidding the rig to drill the Chontaduro 2 appraisal well, targeting the CDO sandstone reservoir in the southern part of the Chontaduro discovery. Chontaduro 2 will spud on April 18, 2024, and will take approximately 3 weeks to drill and complete.

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bp will continue to have three businesses – production & operations, gas & low carbon energy and customers & products – enabled by trading & shipping. The current regions, corporates & solutions organisation will be integrated into the businesses and functions, and bp will now be supported by five functions: finance; technology; strategy, sustainability & ventures; people & culture; and legal. Together these changes will reduce duplication and reporting line complexity. bp’s executive leadership team will reduce in size to ten members. bp’s financial reporting structure remains unchanged.

William Lin, who previously led regions, corporates & solutions, will now lead the gas & low carbon energy business, succeeding Anja-Isabel Dotzenrath who is retiring from bp and her executive career. Emeka Emembolu will head bp’s technology function, taking over from Leigh-Ann Russell who is leaving bp for an external opportunity.

Murray Auchincloss, bp’s chief executive officer, said: “As I set out in February, bp’s destination from IOC to IEC is unchanged – and we need to deliver as a simpler, more focused and higher value company. These changes will help us do just that, reducing complexity within bp, allowing our team to focus on delivering our priorities and growing the value of bp.

“As I set out in February, bp’s destination from IOC to IEC is unchanged – and we need to deliver as a simpler, more focused and higher value company. These changes will help us do just that, reducing complexity within bp, allowing our team to focus on delivering our priorities and growing the value of bp.”

Murray Auchincloss, chief executive officer “I congratulate William on his new role and am delighted to welcome Emeka to the leadership team. William brings extensive experience, expertise, and leadership to gas & low carbon energy – a key part of our portfolio. He has a proven track record of delivery, managing complex relationships and deals – effectively leading teams to build resilient businesses. Emeka has been chief of staff for the past two years and in a 25-year bp career has held senior technical roles right across the business, always focused on safety, value growth, people and technology.

“I would of course also like to thank Anja and Leigh-Ann. Anja has made a hugely positive and lasting impact, building a world class team and low carbon business platform and leading and implementing the right low carbon strategy for bp for the long term. Leigh-Ann has ensured bp kept aware of both the opportunities and risks presented by today’s fast-developing technologies. Her leadership, commitment to building diverse teams, and care for people are deeply appreciated throughout bp. I wish them both all the very best for the future.”

William Lin is already a member of bp’s leadership team in his current role as executive vice president for regions, corporates & solutions. For the past four years, he has led RC&S as a key integrator of bp’s global activities with customers, partners, and governments.  William has worked in bp for 28 years, holding senior management roles across the world including in Asia Pacific, Egypt and the US, and as head of bp’s group chief executive office and as chief operating officer in the former Upstream responsible for all oil and gas regions across the portfolio.

Emeka Emembolu has worked as chief of staff for the past two years. In this role he has run the CEO office and provided direct support and advice to the bp leadership team. Emeka has been with bp for 25 years, starting his career working offshore as an engineer. Before joining the executive office, he ran bp’s business in the North Sea. Prior to that, he held a range of senior technical leadership roles in the Gulf of Mexico/Canada, North Africa and Alaska businesses and in bp’s subsurface function.

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