Helix Energy Solutions bags contract for deepwater well intervention in Nigeria

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE: HLX), a leading international offshore energy services company, has announced a significant contract award from Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Ltd. (“Esso”) for deepwater well intervention services in Nigeria. This strategic collaboration emphasizes Helix’s commitment to expanding its well intervention services in West Africa, particularly in the Erha and Usan fields located offshore Nigeria. The project is set to kick off in September 2024, with operations extending into 2025, showcasing Helix’s capacity to manage and execute complex deepwater projects.

The awarded contract entails Helix providing its state-of-the-art Q4000, a DP3 riser-based semi-submersible well intervention vessel, equipped with a 10k Intervention Riser System (IRS), remotely operated vehicles, and offering comprehensive project management and engineering services. This full suite of well intervention services encompasses everything from production enhancement to plug and abandonment tasks, underlining Helix’s versatile capabilities in offshore energy services. The Erha and Usan fields, approximately 97km offshore of Nigeria, present challenging water depths ranging from 700m to 1,500m, a testament to Helix’s proficiency in navigating complex deepwater environments.

Scotty Sparks, Helix’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the contract, stating, “We are pleased to announce this contract for the Q4000. We are eager to strengthen our relationship with Esso and to further establish our presence as the leader for well intervention services in West Africa.” This sentiment underscores Helix’s dedication to fostering long-term partnerships and its ambition to be at the forefront of well intervention services globally.

The Q4000 vessel is renowned for its versatility, providing a world-class platform for a variety of offshore tasks including subsea well intervention, field and well decommissioning, and emergency well containment, among others. Its design prioritizes safety and efficiency, making it an invaluable asset for Helix and its clients.

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is at the vanguard of providing specialty services to the offshore energy industry, with a particular focus on well intervention, robotics, and full field decommissioning operations.

The company plays a pivotal role in supporting the global energy transition, emphasizing the maximization of existing oil and gas reserves, the decommissioning of end-of-life oil and gas fields, and aiding the development of renewable energy projects.

Helix Energy Solutions’ contract with Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion in the West African market. It not only strengthens Helix’s portfolio of well intervention services but also aligns with the industry’s broader objectives of enhancing oil and gas production efficiency and contributing to sustainable energy solutions. As Helix continues to leverage its expertise and innovative technologies, it is poised to make substantial contributions to the offshore energy sector, particularly in challenging deepwater environments.