Major vessel upgrade to secure additional capability for tight offshore reservoirs

SLB and Equinor have signed a multi-year agreement for advanced reservoir stimulation services across the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), including a major upgrade of the well stimulation vessel MV Island Captain. The agreement secures dedicated capacity to support development of tight offshore reservoirs and help maximize recovery from future wells.

The Island Captain will be converted into a fully proppant-capable stimulation vessel. Upgrades will include expanded proppant storage, advanced handling and blending systems, increased pumping capacity, and an optimized deck layout for complex stimulation operations. Following the upgrade, the vessel will be able to carry up to two million pounds of proppant, enabling high-intensity offshore treatments across the NCS.

Tight reservoirs are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of offshore resource development. Unlocking these resources requires specialized stimulation systems capable of delivering high-intensity treatments efficiently and reliably. By securing dedicated offshore stimulation capacity, SLB and Equinor are helping establish the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of tight-reservoir developments in Norway.

“This agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between Equinor and SLB,” said Ole Christian Meldahl, managing director, Scandinavia, SLB. “The upgrade of the Island Captain represents an important investment in offshore stimulation capability for the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Together, this dedicated capacity and specialized equipment will help support future reservoir developments across the region.”