August 17, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- SLB and Equinor have signed a multi-year agreement for advanced reservoir stimulation services across the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), including a major upgrade of the well stimulation vessel MV Island Captain.

The agreement will provide dedicated offshore stimulation capacity to support the development of tight reservoirs and help maximise recovery from future wells across the NCS.

As part of the agreement, the MV Island Captain will undergo a major conversion to become a fully proppant-capable stimulation vessel. The upgrades will include expanded proppant storage, advanced handling and blending systems, increased pumping capacity and an optimised deck layout designed to accommodate complex offshore stimulation operations.

Following the upgrade, the vessel will be capable of carrying up to 2 million pounds of proppant, allowing it to perform high-intensity stimulation treatments across the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Tight reservoirs are expected to become increasingly important to offshore resource development as operators seek to maximize recovery from existing and future resources. Developing these reservoirs can require specialized stimulation equipment capable of delivering high-intensity treatments efficiently and reliably in challenging offshore environments.

By securing dedicated stimulation capacity, SLB and Equinor are establishing additional infrastructure to support the development of tight-reservoir resources in Norway. The upgraded vessel is expected to provide greater flexibility and capability for future offshore well stimulation campaigns.

Ole Christian Meldahl, managing director, Scandinavia, SLB, said the agreement builds on the longstanding relationship between the two companies.

“The upgrade of the Island Captain represents an important investment in offshore stimulation capability for the Norwegian Continental Shelf,” Meldahl said. “Together, this dedicated capacity and specialized equipment will help support future reservoir developments across the region.”

The agreement and vessel upgrade are expected to strengthen offshore stimulation capabilities on the NCS and support Equinor’s future development plans in Norway’s offshore energy sector.