‘Major’ 130-well P&A gig with Repsol goes to Archer

Oil services company Archer has signed a long-term contract with Repsol Resources UK, a subsidiary of Spanish energy giant Repsol, related to late-life and plug and abandonment (P&A) services across the latter’s platform portfolio.

Under the deal, Archer is set to undertake platform drilling services, facilities engineering, coil tubing, wireline services, and provide downhole well service technologies. The five-year agreement comes with a two-year extension option.

As stated by the oil services firm, the strategic partnership will support late-life operations and P&A activities on Repsol’s platform portfolio, including Piper, Claymore, Tartan, Saltire, Auk, Arbroath, Montrose, Beatrice, and Clyde. The P&A scope, covering approximately 130 wells, is said to be a key component of the contract.

Dag Skindlo, CEO of Archer, remarked: “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Repsol through this major long-term agreement within our strategic focus on P&A services. We have robust technical and attractive commercial offerings within late life and P&A, and our team is committed to delivering operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the decommissioning of these assets.”

Archer believes the agreement solidifies its position as a trusted provider of integrated drilling and well services with commitment to safe and cost-effective operations in the North Sea.

Together with Baker Hughes, the firm won a contract with Equinor for full-range delivery of plugging services in late March 2025. Archer was put in charge of planning plugging operations for 26 wells to be plugged.

Meanwhile, Repsol Resources UK inked a deal with New European Offshore (NEO Energy) to combine their North Sea businesses. The combined group, 55% owned by NEO and 45% by Repsol UK, will be renamed NEO NEXT Energy Limited and is expected to become one of the largest producers in the region.