Saipem signs two contracts with Saudi Aramco worth USD 1 billion

Saipem wins two offshore oil engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contracts with Saudi Aramco, worth a total of around 1 billion USD, for the Marjan, Zuluf and Safaniyah fields in Saudi Arabia.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Saipem signs two major contracts with Saudi Aramco as part of their Long Term Agreement for offshore oil projects in Saudi Arabia.
The cumulative value of these contracts is around 1 billion USD, covering engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) works for the development of the Marjan, Zuluf and Safaniyah offshore oil fields.
These new projects are part of Saudi Aramco’s strategy to strengthen its offshore hydrocarbon production capabilities.

Development of subsea facilities at Marjan

The first contract concerns the Marjan oil field.
Saipem is responsible for the installation of three Production Deck Modules (PDMs), 33 kilometers of 12″ and 16″ subsea rigid pipelines, and 34 kilometers of subsea power cables.
The project aims to modernize existing infrastructure and optimize Saudi Aramco‘s production operations.
By deploying construction vessels already operating in the region, Saipem is reducing mobilization costs and accelerating lead times.
The Marjan field in the Persian Gulf remains a key site for Saudi Aramco’s offshore expansion.
Investment in this subsea infrastructure is essential to improve operational efficiency and meet global oil demand.

Capacity enhancement at the Zuluf and Safaniyah fields

The second contract covers the Zuluf and Safaniyah oil fields.
It calls for the installation of three jackets, five production bridge modules, 22 kilometers of 16-inch rigid pipelines, 5 kilometers of flexible pipelines, as well as 35 kilometers of subsea power cables.
The diversity of the infrastructure to be installed reflects the complexity of Saudi Aramco’s technical requirements for these two fields, requiring tailored solutions to maximize resource extraction.
The Zuluf and Safaniyah fields are among the largest and oldest offshore fields operated by Saudi Aramco.
This project will enhance their production capacity, while integrating them into the company’s global development strategy.

Local manufacturing and optimization of resources

The components required for these projects are manufactured by Saipem Taqa Al-Rushaid Fabricators Co.
Ltd, based in Saudi Arabia.
This approach meets Saudi Aramco’s requirements to increase local content, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
By promoting local production, Saudi Aramco seeks to develop industrial skills and strengthen the autonomy of its oil industry.
For Saipem, this localization of manufacturing minimizes supply chain risks and improves responsiveness to customer requirements, reinforcing the long-term strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco.

Background and outlook for the offshore oil sector

These contracts reflect the continuing demand for the development of robust offshore oil infrastructures, and Saudi Aramco’s determination to maintain its dominant position in the hydrocarbon sector.
The signing of these agreements comes at a time when investment in offshore exploration and production remains a priority, underpinned by stable oil prices and prospects for growth in global demand.
Efficiency in the delivery of complex projects remains a crucial competitive advantage.
Investment in modern, reliable infrastructure enables Saudi Aramco to meet industry challenges and strengthen its competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Kazakhstan redirects part of its oil production to China following the drone attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, without a full export halt.
US investment bank Xtellus Partners has submitted a plan to the US Treasury to recover frozen Lukoil holdings for investors by selling the Russian company’s international assets.
Ghanaian company Cybele Energy has signed a $17mn exploration deal in Guyana’s shallow offshore waters, targeting a block estimated to contain 400 million barrels and located outside disputed territorial zones.
Oil prices moved little after a drop linked to the restart of a major Iraqi oilfield, while investors remained focused on Ukraine peace negotiations and an upcoming monetary policy decision in the United States.
TechnipFMC will design and install flexible pipes for Ithaca Energy as part of the development of the Captain oil field, strengthening its footprint in the UK offshore sector.
Vaalco Energy has started drilling the ET-15 well on the Etame platform, marking the beginning of phase three of its offshore development programme in Gabon, supported by a contract with Borr Drilling.
The attack on a key Caspian Pipeline Consortium offshore facility in the Black Sea halves Kazakhstan’s crude exports, exposing oil majors and reshaping regional energy dynamics.
Iraq is preparing a managed transition at the West Qurna-2 oil field, following US sanctions against Lukoil, by prioritising a transfer to players deemed reliable by Washington, including ExxonMobil.
The Rapid Support Forces have taken Heglig, Sudan’s largest oil site, halting production and increasing risks to regional crude export flows.
The rehabilitation cost of Sonara, Cameroon’s only refinery, has now reached XAF300bn (USD533mn), with several international banks showing growing interest in financing the project.
China imported 12.38 million barrels per day in November, the highest level since August 2023, driven by stronger refining margins and anticipation of 2026 quotas.
The United States reaffirmed its military commitment to Guyana, effectively securing access to its rapidly expanding oil production amid persistent border tensions with Venezuela.
Sanctioned tanker Kairos, abandoned after a Ukrainian drone attack, ran aground off Bulgaria’s coast, exposing growing legal and operational risks tied to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea.
The United States is temporarily licensing Lukoil’s operations outside Russia, blocking all financial flows to Moscow while facilitating the supervised sale of a portfolio valued at $22bn, without disrupting supply for allied countries.
Libya’s state oil firm NOC plans to launch a licensing round for 20 blocks in early 2026, amid mounting legal, political and financial uncertainties for international investors.
European sanctions on Russia and refinery outages in the Middle East have sharply reduced global diesel supply, driving up refining margins in key markets.
L’arrêt de la raffinerie de Pancevo, frappée par des sanctions américaines contre ses actionnaires russes, menace les recettes fiscales, l’emploi et la stabilité énergétique de la Serbie.
Oil prices climbed, driven by Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure and the lack of diplomatic progress between Moscow and Washington over the Ukraine conflict.
Chevron has announced a capital expenditure range of $18 to $19 billion for 2026, focusing on upstream operations in the United States and high-potential international offshore projects.
Brazil, Guyana, Suriname and Argentina are expected to provide a growing share of non-OPEC+ oil supply, backed by massive offshore investments and continued exploration momentum.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.