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Geosciences specialist Viridien has announced a multi-client collaboration agreement with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Morocco's national agency for hydrocarbon and mineral resource development, defining a joint framework for providing integrated subsurface data and analytics across Morocco's extensive and underexplored offshore and onshore sedimentary basins

Through this collaboration, Viridien and ONHYM are looking to set new standards for subsurface evaluation, technical rigour and knowledge exchange, reinforcing Morocco's standing as a compelling destination for hydrocarbon investment in North Africa.

Amina Benkhadra, CEO of ONHYM, said, “This collaboration reflects ONHYM’s commitment to fostering innovation and international partnerships that unlock Morocco’s hydrocarbon potential. By combining our regional expertise and geoscientific knowledge with Viridien’s advanced technologies and capabilities, we are creating a powerful platform to enhance subsurface understanding, attract investment and accelerate exploration opportunities across Morocco.”

Dechun Lin, head of Earth Data, Viridien, said, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Viridien as we deepen our presence in Africa and forge an enduring, partnership-driven relationship with ONHYM. By integrating our industry-leading imaging and data science capabilities with ONHYM's regional expertise, we are well positioned to support Morocco’s hydrocarbon potential.”

The development comes as Morocco, which remains heavily dependent on imported energy, is accelerating exploration and infrastructure development for gas in particular, both onshore and offshore, with a view to diversifying energy supply for growing power generation and industry demands. Several key basins, both onshore and offshore, are demonstrating commercial gas potential.

In a decisive move to safeguard global energy markets, Saudi Arabia is actively considering storing its crude oil and petroleum products within Egypt.

This strategic pivot comes in direct response to the profound disruptions experienced earlier this year, when Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent shockwaves through international oil supplies.

The announcement, which underscores the deepening ties between the two Middle Eastern powerhouses, was formally cemented through a new memorandum of understanding (MoU). The landmark agreement was signed in Riyadh on Sunday by the energy ministers of both nations, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and his Egyptian counterpart, Karim Badawi. By looking to Egypt’s geographical advantages and expanding infrastructure, the world’s largest oil exporter is actively seeking robust alternatives to ensure maximum export capacity during periods of geopolitical crisis.

Strengthening bilateral petroleum cooperation

The newly established MoU outlines a comprehensive framework designed to integrate the energy sectors of both nations more closely. The Egyptian petroleum and mineral resources ministry confirmed that the deal was inked “for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of petroleum, natural gas, and their derivatives,” signalling a long-term commitment to joint energy security.

According to a statement published on the ministry's website, the strategic vision behind the agreement is broad and multifaceted. “The MoU aims to expand cooperation and integration between the oil and energy sectors of both countries, maximizing the utilisation of available capabilities and expertise,” the ministry outlined.

To achieve these ambitious goals, the partnership will focus on a variety of critical operational areas. The ministry further detailed the practical steps that will be taken: “This will be achieved by strengthening cooperation in the trade, handling, transportation, storage, and distribution of crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas, as well as developing the infrastructure and logistics services associated with these activities…this will support the efficiency of energy markets and enhance the resilience and reliability of supply chains and energy security.”

Key Areas of Cooperation Outlined in the MoU:

• Enhanced trade and handling of crude oil and petroleum products.

• Joint development of transportation and distribution networks.

• Strategic storage of natural gas and oil reserves in Egypt.

• Significant investments in associated infrastructure and logistics services.

Mitigating the impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis

The urgency of this bilateral agreement is deeply rooted in recent geopolitical turbulence. In late February, the eruption of the US-Iran conflict culminated in the unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow, highly strategic waterway is a critical artery for the global economy, typically handling nearly 20 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Its sudden bottleneck severely compromised the stability of international energy markets.

To counter this vulnerability, Saudi Arabia has been working round the clock to offset the resulting decline in export capabilities. The Kingdom's primary strategy has been to boost its export volumes via a network of pipelines that deliberately bypass the contentious straits. However, the addition of Egyptian storage facilities introduces a vital new layer of redundancy and logistical flexibility, ensuring that Saudi crude can reach global markets even if primary shipping lanes are compromised.

Egypt’s expanding role in energy logistics

For Egypt, the agreement perfectly aligns with its own domestic and regional ambitions. The nation has recently embarked on extensive plans to expand its oil and gas storage facilities, a programme that was notably accelerated following the US-Iran conflict and the subsequent maritime disruptions. By positioning itself as a secure, high-capacity hub for Saudi oil, Egypt is reinforcing its status as a vital logistical bridge between the energy-rich Gulf and the energy-hungry markets of Europe and beyond.

Ultimately, this collaborative approach between Riyadh and Cairo highlights a crucial evolution in energy security strategies. By prioritising infrastructure development, shared expertise, and supply chain resilience, both nations are taking proactive steps to stabilise global markets against future uncertainties. The successful implementation of this MoU will not only fortify the energy sectors of Saudi Arabia and Egypt but will also provide a much-needed buffer for the broader international economy.

At the S&P Global Energy Middle East Petroleum & Gas Conference (MPGC) held in London, Musaab Al Mulla, Aramco's vice president of market analysis and sustainability, underlined the need for the recognition of the role refined products play in resilient energy systems, which has been brought into sharp focus in the current crisis

Al Mulla highlighted the need for a realistic approach to the role of oil and gas as the engine for economic growth and the impact of the crisis on products ranging from helium to materials and fertilisers, with shortages of the latter in turn impacting food supply.

A common theme of the event was the need for resilience and redundancy in the energy system to be able to weather such crises. Al Mulla highlighted Aramco’s focus on long-term strategic planning and investment for the future, as exemplified by its investment in the east-west pipeline which is now not only transporting crude but also products, building flexibility into the system, transporting crude to refineries for export and ensuring refined products get to market.

“The world has realised the need for more investment in pipeline infrastructure and domestic refining to ensure industry is working together,” he said.

He remarked that the crisis has demonstrated demand is resilient and has exposed the underinvestment in refineries, with capital flows being redirected towards the energy transition and resulting in a deficit of 3mn bpd.

“We need to build refineries and infrastructure while also reducing emissions,” he said, noting that Aramco has one of the lowest emissions intensities.

Discussing demand for refined products, he noted that demand for jet fuel continues to grow and refinery utilisation is at record rates.

“We believe demand will continue to be resilient, and low carbon products will be important as well,” he said.

He foresaw strong growth in chemicals with the market for durable materials growing in multiple sectors, noting that carbon-based materials can help reduce emissions. Replacing steel with polypropylene in cars can reduce emissions by 80%, for example. He also highlighted growth in demand for low carbon aviation fuel (lcaf), fossil-based jet fuel, which is 10% lower in emissions than conventional jet fuel, and complements sustainable aviation fuel (saf) as it addresses some of its limitations.

Highlighting the continuing long-term strategic importance of refining, he stressed that gasolene will still account for a significant proportion of transportation fuel by 2050.

With resilience, reliability and sustainability being global challenges, Al Mulla said that resilience for Aramco means building on operational excellence, long-term investment in oil and gas, new energies and low carbon, and localisation, noting Aramco’s 70% localisation target to ensure a resilient supply chain.

“Resilience is correlated with sustainability, you can’t be sustainable if you are not resilient,” he said. It involves not only having the flexibility to be able to adapt to shocks, but also having the capacity to innovate and grow supply while also reducing emissions, he added.

Commenting on the Middle East’s attractiveness as an investment destination, he said, “Clearly the region remains the hub for oil and gas petrochemicals and refining, and it has shown its infrastructure and energy system have been resilient in this historic crisis.”

He said Aramco is also looking at other regions, and urged the need for more investor-friendly policies in Europe, where there is a need for more domestic refining and chemicals so as not to be dependent on other regions.

Discussing the role of gas, Al Mulla said there will be increasing demand to fulfil the growing demand for power from data centres, highlighting the move towards regional data centres.

The drive towards a highly resilient, localised supply chain is rapidly reshaping the industrial landscape of the Middle East.

Viking Completion Technology (Viking) has officially established a formidable new manufacturing, testing, and service facility within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This strategic move represents a major milestone in localising the production of crucial completion tools. By establishing a formally recognised entity and an API-certified, in-country operation, the organisation is actively securing the regional equipment pipeline. It demonstrates a structural shift from relying solely on international imports to nurturing high-specification domestic manufacturing.

A strategic joint venture in Dhahran

To execute this ambitious in-country expansion, Viking has formed a pivotal Joint Venture with Abdulrahman Algosaibi Holdings (AGH). This collaboration is anchored by AGH’s regional expertise, operating locally established businesses that include Intelligent Energy Services (i-Energy) and Extreme Precision Company (XPRECISION).

Situated in Dhahran, a historical nexus for the Kingdom's energy industry, the newly launched operation complements Viking’s established premises in Dubai. For nearly three decades, the Dubai facility served as the sole international supply hub for the organisation’s global customer base. Now, the Dhahran base introduces a dual-hub dynamic, providing a dedicated commercial vehicle to directly supply locally manufactured equipment to Saudi Arabian end users, decisively mitigating lead times and logistics issues.

Elite API certification and localised manufacturing

The inauguration of the Dhahran site is the culmination of half a decade of intensive investment and effort. Over these five years, the primary objective has been to firmly establish Viking as a premier, locally stationed supplier of completion equipment.

Crucially, the new operation is distinguished by its elite industry credentials. It stands as one of only two facilities within Saudi Arabia to hold a highly specific suite of API licenses, which are essential for manufacturing products to the rigorous specifications demanded by end users.

The facility boasts the following capabilities and certifications:

• Accreditations Held: API Q1, API 14A, API 11D1, API 19AC, and API 14L licenses.

• Locally Manufactured Products: Advanced completion tools including Safety Valves, Packers, and Seal Assemblies.

• Additional Components: Sliding Side Doors (SSD’s) and Landing Nipples.

Previously, Viking maintained a robust track record of out-of-country supply into Saudi Arabia. By shifting this capacity inward, the organisation is fundamentally altering how rapidly critical infrastructure can be deployed in the field.

Aligning with Vision 2030 objectives

The transition toward localised manufacturing carries profound economic implications for the region, aligning flawlessly with broader national industrial strategies and local value initiatives.

Willie Morrison, Managing Director at Viking Completion Technology, commented: "Achieving API-certified status and launching our Saudi Arabia entity is a huge milestone for our dedicated team, which I am immensely proud of, and would not have been possible without the support of our Joint Venture partner. With AG Holding's local manufacturing capability, Viking is ideally placed to deliver as an In Kingdom Total Value Add supplier in line with the key objectives, social and economic requirements and strategic importance of the Saudi 2030 vision."

This vision is shared by the Joint Venture leadership, emphasising the technical readiness and future capacity of the new site.

Abdulrahman Algosaibi, Chairman at AG Holding, commented: “This new facility is fully equipped with the latest capabilities for assembling and testing products, as well as for make-up and testing of completion assemblies. Skilled and experienced field personnel have been responsible for successful trial tests in Saudi Arabia over the last three years, meaning that in addition to our API Certification, we also have a wide range of catalogued products currently supplied from Out of Kingdom. Over the next 12 months, Viking will perform further trials while supplying several new product variations. We are proud to be part of such a significant development for Viking in nearly three decades of operating. We look forward to welcoming customers to the facility and to keep demonstrating what we are capable of in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

By establishing this API-certified footprint, the partnership ensures that top-tier completion technology is engineered and delivered right at the heart of the region's energy sector.

Oil Review Middle East, in association with Flyability is hosting a webinar on “NDT drones for the oil and gas industry: from innovation to implementation" on Tuesday 14 July at 2pm GST

The oil and gas industry continues to face increasing pressure to improve safety, reduce operational downtime and enhance inspection efficiency. Increasingly, operators are deploying drone technology to improve inspection quality, enhance safety and drive greater operational efficiency across oil and gas assets, discovering new ways to conduct inspections in hazardous and confined spaces while minimising risks to personnel.

This practical session will explore how drone technology is being used to perform remote NDT inspections, collect critical asset data and create digital twins that support more effective asset integrity management. Through real-world case studies and industry experience, attendees will gain valuable insights into implementing drone solutions within their own operations.

Register here

Key highlights

• Visual inspections: Learn how drone technology is improving access to difficult and hazardous inspection environments
• Remote NDT applications: Explore the use of UT spot measurements and other remote inspection capabilities
• Digital twins: Understand how digital asset models are supporting integrity monitoring and maintenance planning
• Industry success stories: Hear practical examples from asset owners and service providers successfully utilising drone technology
• Implementation strategies: Gain insights into integrating drone-based inspections into existing operational workflows.

Our expert speakers:

• Fabio Fata, senior sales manager, Flyability
• Senan Khatib, certified AUV pilot/instructor and UAV field specialist Sagerdrone
• Abdullah Al-Rahmah, head of UAV team, Saudi Aramco
• Jacob Swidy, head of inspection technology and digital transformation, Saudi Aramco

Don’t miss this opportunity to take away exclusive insights from the leading lights of the drone technology world!
Register here

The disruption to energy supply through the Strait of Hormuz is spurring governments to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas, according to the tenth edition of DNV's Energy Transition Outlook

Energy-importing countries are scaling clean energy three times faster than energy exporters, as governments seek to reduce reliance on imported oil and gas by expanding domestically produced power.

At the same time, exporting countries outside the Middle East are increasing production to compensate for disrupted supplies, and decarbonising more slowly compared to the rest of the world.

China, India, and Europe have collectively shifted towards non-fossil energy more than three times as fast as the Middle East, North America, and Russia.

Prolonged conflict would permanently reduce fossil-fuel demand

The disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has strengthened incentives for importing countries to diversify supply and reduce their exposure to oil and gas, increasing the long-term risks facing fossil-fuel exporters. DNV’s new forecast sees the Middle East supplying around 40% of global oil production in 2050, compared with 50% in last year’s Outlook.

“Energy security is redrawing the map of the energy transition,” said Ditlev Engel, CEO - Energy Systems at DNV. “Importing regions are accelerating electrification, renewables, and storage to reduce their exposure to the most insecure fossil-fuel markets. Exporters, meanwhile, are responding to today’s shortages by increasing investments and production. The result is a widening divide in the speed and direction of the transition.”

Technology gap widening

The gap is widening between competitive mature technologies and emerging technologies with falling costs accelerating the deployment of solar power, onshore wind, and batteries, while more expensive emerging technologies are losing ground. Solar PV and onshore wind are increasingly displacing fossil fuels from power generation, and installed battery capacity has increased 14-fold over the past five years.

However, technologies essential to decarbonising the hard-to-electrify sectors, such as hydrogen and carbon capture, are falling back due to their high cost and concerns about industrial competitiveness. Stronger policy support will be needed to bridge the cost gap and accelerate deployment.

DNV forecasts that nuclear will maintain its current share of global power generation as electrification accelerates. Installed nuclear capacity is expected to grow by 30% over the next decade and by 170% by 2060, despite high costs and supply-chain risks.

“Driven by solar, wind, and increasingly battery storage, electricity is emerging as the clear winner of the energy transition,” said Sverre Alvik, Director of Energy Transition Research at DNV. “The pace of electrification over the next two decades will be more than twice that of the past two decades. Although importing countries are leading the shift, fossil-fuel exporters are also embracing electrification because it delivers greater efficiency and lower costs.”

AI is significantly boosting electricity demand. DNV forecasts that global data centre electricity consumption will almost triple from around 400 TWh in 2025 to 1,100 TWh in 2030, with growth concentrated initially in North America.

MENA region key takeaways

• The Middle East and North Africa is balancing energy security and transition goals, maintaining oil and gas exports while scaling renewable and low-carbon energy investments.
• Solar is becoming a key growth driver, supported by abundant resources, cost competitiveness, and strong government backing.
• Power demand will grow substantially, driven by economic expansion, electrification, cooling, desalination, and hydrogen production.
• GCC countries are reducing the carbon intensity of hydrocarbons, focusing on electrification, methane reduction, efficiency improvements, and carbon capture.
• Hydrogen is emerging as a major export opportunity, leveraging the region’s energy resources and infrastructure.
• Climate resilience is becoming a business imperative, as heat, water scarcity, and other climate risks increasingly impact economic growth and operations.