en.Wedoany.com Reported - Aquaterra Energy and James Fisher and Sons plc (James Fisher) have announced a global strategic partnership to streamline the delivery of offshore oil and gas decommissioning projects.
Under the agreement, operators will gain access to an end-to-end integrated service solution for planning and executing well abandonment and infrastructure removal. This model aims to reduce the number of interfaces between project parties and enhance execution certainty. The division of responsibilities is clear: Aquaterra Energy handles front-end engineering design and well access, while James Fisher provides subsea operations and offshore construction execution capabilities through its energy business segment.
The two companies stated that this joint delivery framework integrates early planning, engineering design, well access, and offshore operations, offering greater coordination compared to traditional decommissioning methods. Its core objective is to reduce handover points between stages and strengthen accountability in project management, thereby providing higher certainty throughout the entire process, from initial project scope definition to final offshore operations.
The partnership operates globally, with an initial focus on the North Sea, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. These regions have a significant number of offshore wells and infrastructure approaching permanent abandonment. Data shows that on the UK Continental Shelf, the North Sea Transition Authority has confirmed 153 wells have exceeded their decommissioning permit deadlines, with £44 billion in decommissioning commitments still outstanding. Meanwhile, Australian government models predict that domestic offshore decommissioning liabilities could reach approximately £48 billion over the next 30 to 50 years. Globally, over 2,500 offshore structures are expected to require removal by 2040.
Matt Marcantonio, Engineering Director at Aquaterra Energy, noted that decommissioning projects are becoming increasingly complex, requiring tighter technical integration from the outset. "Decommissioning projects are no longer simple, isolated work packages," Marcantonio said. "Next-generation projects demand rigorous engineering control, early multi-party integration, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions." He added that combining Aquaterra Energy's expertise with James Fisher's capabilities early on can avoid subsequent design rework, reduce offshore operation time, and give operators greater confidence when tackling challenging projects.
Mark Stephen, Decommissioning and CFE Product Line Director at James Fisher Energy, stated that operators now prioritize delivery predictability and fewer communication interfaces. "What operators need today is delivery confidence, predictable execution, fewer interfaces, and collaborative teams that have already worked together," Stephen said. He emphasized that integrating James Fisher's subsea capabilities with Aquaterra Energy's engineering and well access expertise can eliminate common collaboration barriers, supporting safer and more efficient operations.
The partnership will be organized on a project-by-project basis, with team composition dynamically adjusted according to the specific scope of work. Where necessary, the two companies may deploy cross-trained personnel to reduce the manpower required for offshore projects and lower overall risk exposure. Both companies will operate independently within an agreed framework designed to support early-stage collaboration and consistent delivery standards. Currently, Aquaterra Energy and James Fisher are engaging with operators in multiple regions to discuss upcoming decommissioning project opportunities.
