Equinor and Aibel have entered into a 10-year strategic collaboration agreement to pursue opportunities for standardisation and simplification in both offshore wind and electrification of oil and gas installations, among other things.
For several years Aibel has been one of Equinor’s key collaboration partners and is a supplier of offshore converter platforms.
In addition, Aibel has several times been assigned to perform hook-up of high-voltage systems offshore, such as electrification of Johan Sverdrup and Wisting.
Equinor executive vice president for projects, drilling and procurement Geir Tungesvik said: “Equinor has clear ambitions for the energy transition, and we have a high activity level in oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon technologies.
“Through this strategic collaboration agreement we create security for both parties, giving Aibel an opportunity to get more assignments, while we know that we will be able to deliver our projects with the high quality that Aibel is known for and we depend on to succeed.”
Aibel chief executive Mads Andersen sees the new collaboration agreement as an important step to further develop the companies’ joint improvement agenda, not least in terms of safety.
He said: “Aibel and Equinor have for a long time had a close and good collaboration on the NCS, and the new collaboration agreement forms the basis for a long-term continuation of this relationship.
“The agreement offers Aibel predictability and a better foundation for long-term planning and competence development with less vulnerability to market fluctuations.
“I am therefore convinced that the agreement will contribute to better, safer and not least more cost-effective deliveries benefitting both parties.”
Pictured left to right are Equinor chief procurement officer Mette Ottoy, Geir Tungesvik, Mads Andersen, and Aibel executive vice president modifications and yard services Nils Arne Solvik.