Releases
Announcements, partnerships, and product updates from Blackwell.
Industry News
Headlines from across the maritime and offshore energy industry.
Equinor's Grimsnes discovery adds up to 50 MMboe near Oseberg in North Sea
Equinor, Petoro and TotalEnergies have discovered an estimated 19 million to 50 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent near Oseberg.[3][10] The partners plan a subsea connection to existing facilities, with an investment decision possible next summer rather than an approved development today.[3][10]
Source: World Oil
North Sea operator appoints DOF for subsea decommissioning
DOF has secured a North Sea subsea decommissioning contract worth between $15 million and $25 million, covering removal and seabed clearance across several fields.[1][2] One construction support vessel is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.[1][2]
Source: Offshore Energy
Murphy Oil reports Vietnam oil discovery, first production at Lac Da Vang
Murphy Oil has found 131 feet of net oil pay at Lac Da Trang North-1X offshore Vietnam, near the newly producing Lac Da Vang field.[1][4] The partners will assess appraisal and development options, including a possible connection to that infrastructure.[1][4]
Source: World Oil
Seadrill secures $420 million Indonesia drilling contract, extends offshore rig deals
Seadrill has secured an approximately $420 million Indonesia drilling contract for West Carina, with 880 firm days expected to start in the first half of 2027.[1][6] Exercised options also extend West Capella's Malaysian work through February 2028.[1][6]
Source: World Oil
Shell and Equinor fuel $1.1 billion backlog uptick for Transocean
Transocean has added $62 million of Shell drilling work and converted a previously announced $1 billion Equinor agreement into firm backlog.[8][9] The Norwegian commitments cover four rigs, with the new Shell assignment expected to last about 120 days.[8][9]
Source: Offshore Energy
Ports closed on Sunday 11 October as Hurricane Simon affects Mexico's Pacific coast
ADN Noticias reported restrictions on larger vessels at Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas and Puerto Vallarta on 11 October.[11] Simon remained a Category 3 hurricane in the latest retrieved NHC advisory, although the reported closure list does not establish live port status on 12 October.[15]
Source: ADN Noticias
South Korea Completes Arctic Europe Maritime Commercial Voyage
PanStar Acro has returned to Busan after South Korea's first commercial Arctic round trip to Europe, a 50 day voyage.[1] Officials hope to establish regular services by 2030, but schedule reliability and total costs remain central to the route's prospects.[1]
Source: Reuters
Oceânica signs R$ 354 million contract with Petrobras
Oceânica has signed a four year Petrobras contract worth approximately R$ 354 million for diving and remotely operated vehicle services.[1] Operations are expected to start in the first half of 2027, with up to four service fronts covered by the agreement.[1]
Source: Portos e Navios
Viking Energy PSV Moves Closer to Ammonia Operations
Azane Fuel Solutions has approval to test bunker up to 73 tonnes of ammonia aboard Viking Energy.[1] The operation is planned for October or November at Stord, Norway, before the converted supply vessel begins offshore service using ammonia.[1]
Source: MarineLink
Shell to Take 30% Stake in Equinor's Bay du Nord Project off Canada
Shell has agreed to buy a 30 percent interest in Bay du Nord, with Equinor retaining operatorship and a 70 percent stake.[14] The Canadian offshore project is targeting an investment decision in early 2027, rather than a confirmed construction start.[14]
Source: Offshore Engineer
'World first' CCS platform for industrial decarbonization stands tall offshore UK
Liverpool Bay CCS has installed the Douglas platform, while the wider carbon transport and storage network is approximately 50 percent complete.[2] The facility will connect industrial emitters in North West England and North Wales to depleted offshore gas reservoirs through repurposed pipelines.[2]
Source: Offshore Energy
Brazil's largest pre salt auction awards 7 of 13 blocks
Brazil awarded seven offshore exploration blocks, with approximately BRL 778.4 million in minimum exploration commitments.[14] Petrobras, Prio and Equinor each secured two areas, while six of the 13 blocks offered received no bids.[14]
Source: Agência Brasil