Schlumberger, Aker Solutions, and Subsea 7 have unveiled plans to form a joint venture to drive innovation and efficiency in subsea production. The agreement will bring together a portfolio of technologies such as subsea gas compression, all-electric subsea production systems, and other electrification capabilities.
The proposed joint venture will combine Schlumberger’s and Aker Solutions’ subsea businesses, which include deep reservoir domain and engineering design expertise, an extensive field-proven subsea production and processing technology portfolio, world-class manufacturing scale and capabilities, and a comprehensive suite of life-of-field solutions. Subsea 7 will be an equity partner in the new joint venture.
“As investment in the offshore market—particularly in deepwater—continues to increase, our customers will benefit from enhanced services that leverage digital and technological innovation to drive improved subsea asset performance while increasing energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions,” said Schlumberger Chief Executive Officer Olivier Le Peuch. “We look forward to collaborating with both Aker Solutions and our subsea integration partner Subsea 7 on this new venture.”
“Aker Solutions, Schlumberger, and Subsea 7 are complementary businesses, both in terms of products and services, as well as customers and geographical presence,” said Øyvind Eriksen, president and chief executive officer of Aker Solutions. “Furthermore, Schlumberger shares our commitment to innovation, such as deploying digital solutions and decarbonization technologies.”
Upon closing of the proposed transaction, the existing Subsea Integration Alliance between Schlumberger and Subsea 7 will be amended so that the new joint venture will assume Schlumberger’s role in the alliance, which will be renewed for a ten-year term.
“We are excited to build on our highly successful alliance with Schlumberger and partnership with Aker Solutions. This new joint venture is a critical step as we collaborate on integrated subsea projects that drive maximum value for our customers,” said Subsea 7 Chief Executive Officer John Evans.
The Board of directors of the JV will consist of three representatives from Schlumberger, two from Aker Solutions and one from Subsea 7
In addition to contributing its subsea business to the joint venture, at closing Schlumberger will issue to Aker Solutions shares of Schlumberger common stock valued at US$306.5 million in a private placement. Concurrently, Subsea 7 will purchase its 10% interest in exchange for US$306.5 million in cash to Aker Solutions. The joint venture also will issue a promissory note to Aker Solutions for US$87.5 million. At closing of the joint venture, Schlumberger will own 70%, with Aker Solutions owning 20% and Subsea 7 owning 10%. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2023.
