E&P Highlights: May 5, 2025

From a contract in the Gulf of Mexico to a new subsea partnership, below is a compilation of the latest headlines in the E&P space.

Contracts and company news

DEEP Unveils HexBot for Large-Scale Metal Component Production

DEEP Manufacturing Ltd. has unveiled a new robotic system called HexBot, designed for ultra large-scale metal part production across the energy, offshore and maritime sectors.

The six-arm synchronized Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing system operates in unison to create components on an unprecedented scale. Each robotic arm can independently produce metallic parts up to 3 m in diameter. The full HexBot configuration can manufacture components as large as 6.2 m in diameter and 3.2 m in height.

DEEP Manufacturing was established as a specialist division of DEEP, which is developing next-generation underwater pressure vessels to support the creation of subsea human habitats.

EnerMech wins Gulf of Mexico Contract from LLOG

EnerMech has secured a significant contract from LLOG Exploration Co. for pre-commissioning services at the Salamanca Platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

This contract includes hydrotesting and nitrogen dewatering of three 8-inch infield flowlines, one 16-inch oil export pipeline and one 10-inch gas export pipeline. LLOG awarded EnerMech a contract for topside pre-commissioning services in 2024.

The Salamanca Floating Production Unit will operate at a depth of approximately 6,400 feet of water with production from the Leon and Castille fields. It’s expected to deliver an initial production capacity of 60,000 bbl/d of oil and 40 MMcf/d of natural gas.

The Salamanca unit is a refurbished structure, previously the decommissioned Independence Hub production facility.

Fox Innovation Acquires Sirio Solutions Engineering

Fox Innovation & Technologies, a provider of advanced technologies aftermarket services and solutions specialized in high-speed rotating equipment, has acquired Sirio Solutions Engineering (SSE). Financial term of the deal were not disclosed.

 Fox is backed by private equity firm Bluewater, which specializes in energy.

Based in Prato, Italy, SSE has nearly 40 years of engineering history and client service expertise. It provides engineered turbomachinery control systems, field solutions and expert field technical services for industrial process and energy infrastructure applications.

Fox CEO Vincent Volpe said SSE brings systems engineering and turbo machinery controls capabilities to Fox’s recently launched Revamp business for turbo compressors in industrial process and energy infrastructure applications. He also cited SSE’s extensive experience working on high-speed turbo machinery and process reciprocating compressors internationally.

STR, SubC Imaging Sign Exclusive Global Partnership

Marine servicer STR signed an exclusive technology and service partnership with SubC Imaging, a maker of subsea cameras, digital video recorder products and a data-as-a-service provider.

The agreement is in response to increasing industry demand for enhanced optical solutions and real-time inspection data of critical infrastructure across the energy, science, communications and defense markets.

STR is a provider of advanced sensor technology and solutions for marine applications.

The new technology and service offering will be managed through STR’s global network. It will combine STR’s in-house camera systems, cathodic protection, flooded member detection equipment and inspection service offering with SubC Imaging’s leading camera systems, digital video recording products, lights and lasers, and real-time data streaming service.

3t Drilling Systems Chosen for Work on IADC Learning Platform

3t Drilling Systems, a drilling simulator provider, has been appointed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) as its official partner to redesign and deliver the next generation of its flagship learning platform, KREW.

The strategic partnership will aim to transform how the global well control industry trains and upskills its workforce while reducing downtime and keeping people safe.

3t Drilling Systems will develop an entirely new KREW platform featuring hundreds of modern, interactive e-learning modules. The platform will be accessible via browser or mobile app, with offline capability for remote operations, ensuring 24/7 accessibility for learners across the globe.

The platform will also integrate a hybrid learning model, including time on the simulator and an intelligent AI-powered chatbot that will allow users to test their knowledge in real-time, simulate real-world scenarios, and receive instant feedback. This innovative approach will ensure learning is interactive, relevant, and continuously evolving alongside the needs of the industry.

Development of the platform has begun, with a relaunch planned for early 2026.

Valaris Wins Contract Award for Drillship Offshore West Africa

Valaris has been awarded a five-well contract offshore West Africa for drillship VALARIS DS-15 from an undisclosed oil and gas company.

The total award value, based on an estimated duration of 250 days, is approximately $135 million, including upfront payments for rig upgrades and mobilization.

 The contract, expected to commence third-quarter 2026, includes priced options for up to five wells with an estimated total duration of 80 days to 100 days.

As part of this contract, the rig will be upgraded with an enhanced managed pressure drilling system, said Anton Dibowitz, Valaris president and CEO.

“We believe this contract reflects the market’s preference for contractors that can deliver complex drilling solutions with high-specification, seventh generation drillships,” Dibowitz  said. “In addition, this contract adds to our presence offshore West Africa, where we are well positioned for future contracting opportunities.”