SLB Secures Four-Year Offshore Drilling Contract With Vår Energi

Global energy technology company SLB has been selected by Vår Energi as its main integrated drilling services supplier for two offshore rigs operating on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Announced on 12 November 2026, the agreement covers an initial four-year period, with four additional one-year extension options that could extend the contract through 2034. The scope involves the Transocean Barents and Deepsea Bergen semisubmersible rigs, which will undertake exploration and development drilling in Norway's offshore oil and gas sector.

 

The two harsh-environment drilling rigs are expected to operate continuously throughout the contracted period, supporting Vår Energi's offshore drilling program. SLB will provide integrated drilling services that combine technical expertise, digital workflows and operational execution across the well delivery process. The approach is designed to connect planning and field operations, reduce coordination requirements between service providers and support more consistent drilling performance.

 

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Under the integrated delivery model, SLB will work alongside Vår Energi and other selected technology and service providers to coordinate activities across the drilling process. Digital systems and operational data will support planning, execution and performance monitoring, allowing teams to respond more effectively to changing well conditions. The companies aim to improve drilling efficiency, shorten well delivery times and increase operational predictability across exploration and development activities.

 

The contract expands SLB's existing relationship with Vår Energi, which already includes digital well planning, integrated field development planning and subsea production systems through SLB's OneSubsea joint venture. In May 2026, the companies announced an expansion of their digital collaboration to connect subsurface evaluation, well planning and field development activities. The latest award extends that cooperation into offshore drilling execution, bringing additional stages of well development under an integrated operating approach.

 

Torger Rød, Chief Operating Officer of Vår Energi, said closer integration between planning, technology and operational teams would help deliver wells more efficiently and predictably. ND Maduemezia, President of Europe and Africa at SLB, said the company would focus on combining technical capabilities, digital tools and operational discipline across the drilling program. The financial value of the contract has not been disclosed, and the extension periods remain optional.

 

Source: SLB