One Energy News

Tag: Saipem

  • CADE clears Subsea7–Saipem merger, but the debate goes beyond the approval

    CADE clears Subsea7–Saipem merger, but the debate goes beyond the approval

    The offshore engineering market continues to consolidate, but the debate surrounding competition is far from over.

    Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) has approved, without restrictions, the proposed merger between Subsea7 and Saipem, removing one of the final regulatory hurdles for the creation of what will become one of the world’s largest offshore engineering and subsea companies.

    The decision came after major industry players, including Petrobras, ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies, submitted formal observations expressing concerns that the combination could reduce competition in certain offshore engineering and subsea services, potentially affecting future procurement processes. After reviewing the case, however, Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica – Cade concluded that the transaction did not require remedies or restrictions.

    The approval does not eliminate the broader discussion surrounding consolidation in the offshore industry.

    Over the past decade, the sector has experienced a series of major transactions as companies sought greater scale, stronger balance sheets and broader technological capabilities to execute increasingly complex offshore projects. At the same time, operators continue to monitor how this consolidation may influence competition, supplier diversity and commercial dynamics in future tenders.

    For the offshore market, the discussion is no longer whether consolidation will continue—it is how the industry can balance larger, financially stronger contractors with a competitive environment capable of preserving innovation, efficiency and commercial flexibility.

    Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.

  • Cade approves Subsea7-Saipem merger

    Cade approves Subsea7-Saipem merger

    Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) has approved, without restrictions, the proposed merger between Subsea7 and Saipem.

    The transaction, which will combine Saipem and Subsea7 into one of the world’s largest offshore engineering and construction groups, was reviewed for its potential impact on Brazil’s subsea installation and maintenance services market. Cade concluded that the combination does not raise significant competition concerns in the country’s offshore oil and gas sector, marking another regulatory milestone for the transaction.

    Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.

  • Saipem and Petrobras – MoU focuses on Brazil decomissioning

    Saipem and Petrobras – MoU focuses on Brazil decomissioning

    Saipem and Petrobras have signed a one-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate and potentially develop integrated solutions for decommissioning activities in Brazil. The agreement covers well abandonment and plugging operations, aiming to improve efficiency, sustainability and innovation levels in end-of-life infrastructure activities.

    It is important to note that the document is non-binding, meaning that any future developments will depend on additional agreements between the parties. As part of the cooperation, Saipem and Petrobras will also assess partnerships with companies and institutions specialized in decommissioning, as well as the development and implementation of new technologies, methodologies and integrated solutions for this specific segment.

    The collaboration also includes the evaluation of logistical and operational alternatives, such as the use of drilling units and vessels, in addition to enhancing existing practices to overcome technical and operational challenges associated with offshore decommissioning activities in Brazil.

  • Saipem’s Castorone arrives in Brazil for Raia gas project

    Saipem’s Castorone arrives in Brazil for Raia gas project

    On 15 January 2026, Saipem’s pipelay vessel Castorone arrived in Brazil to start deepwater operations at Equinor’s Raia gas project, in the Campos Basin, about 200 km offshore Rio de Janeiro. The DP3 vessel will install pipelines in water depths of up to 2,900 m, marking the start of the project’s deepwater phase.

  • Open Tenders & More

    Open Tenders & More

    By Maria Eduarda Camba

    Dear All,

    WSB is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer.

    Open tenders:

    What has changed?

    • Transpetro Acquisition of 18x Barges and 18x Pushers: Opportunity 7004521370 new deadline December 12th, 2025.

    What else is happening?

    • Petrobras cancels three tenders:At least 1x LH — Opportunity 7004497614
      At least 1x FSV — Opportunity 7004492292
      At least 1x LH — Opportunity 7004484466
    • CMM Offshore expands its presence as EBN,scoring vessel management contractsfor two Heavy Lifters to be employed in the Raia Project, in a partnership with Saipem and Equinor.
  • WSB tips – Open tenders & more

    WSB tips – Open tenders & more

    By Maria Eduarda Camba

    WSB Advisors is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer.

    What has changed?

    • Petrobras Wells Plug & Abandonment in Shallow Waters: Opportunity 7004427678 new deadline June 13th, 2025;
    • Petrobras SEP Up to 6x PSVs: Opportunity 7004431928 new deadline June 27th, 2025;
    • Petrobras SEP Up to 1x PSV GC: Opportunity 7004436597 new deadline June 27th, 2025;
    • Petrobras SEP Up to 1x PSV MUF: Opportunity 7004436596 new deadline June 27th, 2025;
    • Petrobras SDSVs: Opportunity 7004370497 new deadline July 3rd, 2025.

    What else is happening?

    Eyes on new pre-salt prospects: Petrobras gears up to drill the first exploratory prospect in the Água Marinha block, Campos Basin, before the end of June.

    SEA1 Atlas reconfigures its tanks to boost MGO capacity and lands a 6-month fuel run contract with Saipem.

    In a bold move, TotalEnergies trades its 20% stake in the Gato do Mato project to Shell for an extra 3% in Lapa field.

    Further news please follows us on digital media:                       

    Best regards, 

  • Merger: Saipem and Subsea7

    Merger: Saipem and Subsea7

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    Saipem and Subsea7 have announced a preliminary agreement for a potential merger, signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU). If finalized, the deal will create a global energy services giant, possibly named Saipem7.

    The new company will have a combined backlog of €43 billion, revenue of approximately €20 billion, and an EBITDA of over €2 billion. Subsea7 shareholders will receive 6.688 Saipem shares for each share they hold, and both companies will split the capital of the merged entity equally.

    The announcement took the offshore market by surprise, as there had been no rumors of the transaction. However, mergers and acquisitions have become increasingly common since 2024, with moves like the formation of Brava, Wilson Sons’ sale to MSC, Boskalis acquiring ALP, and DOF acquiring Maersk.

    Is industry consolidation here to stay?

  • Another vessel for Búzios 7

    Another vessel for Búzios 7

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    Following the arrival of CSV Normand Maximus earlier this week, another vessel has begun mobilization from abroad to support Saipem on the Búzios 7 project. AHTS Siem Emerald, owned by Sea1, is en route from Las Palmas to Rio de Janeiro and is expected to arrive in Brazilian waters by July 1st 2024. Siem Emerald is 2009 built, has 281t bollard pull capacity and will be operating under foreign flag.

    “With the arrival of this anchor handler, Sea1 Offshore will be operating a total of eight vessels in Brazil, including two OSRVs, two PSVs, two LWIVs and one MPSV. We can confidently say that the company has successfully diversified both its fleet and its client portfolio over the past few years” – says Omar Darian, Chartering Manager at WSB Advisors.

  • Normand Maximus coming to Rio de Janeiro

    Normand Maximus coming to Rio de Janeiro

    By Omar Darian

    The state-of-the-art CSV Normand Maximus has departed from Las Palmas and is en route to Rio de Janeiro. The Solstad Offshore ASA-owned vessel was chartered by Saipem and will be engaged on the Búzios 7 project, awarded to the Italian company at the end of 2021.

    The project includes the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) of the Steel Lazy Wave Risers (SLWR) and associated flowlines interconnecting 15 subsea wells to the FPSO together with the related service lines and control umbilicals. Furthermore, Saipem will also be responsible for the provision and installation of the FPSO anchors and for the hook up of the FPSO at field.

    Normand Maximus is the result of innovative design philosophy aimed to combine SURF installation with field development activities in ultra-deep water. She is DP3, has a large working deck (2500m2), a main crane and an auxiliary crane with 900T and 150T capacity respectively.