GE, NOV tie topsides knot

GE Oil & Gas and National Oilwell Varco on Thursday announced they are looking to jointly develop topsides for floating production, storage and offloading vessels. GE and NOV will also be working to provide integrated services packages for the floaters.

Driven by their determination to bring down costs associated with deepwater development projects, the two companies are expected to begin offering joint services by early 2017. “The industrialised manufacturing supply chain, combined with digital solutions and global service and aftermarket capabilities, is expected to maximise life-cycle efficiencies and drive down the cost of offshore oilfield development,” a joint statement read.

“For the past year we have quietly explored this new and better way to make floating production vessels and are excited about how this collaboration will change the industry and improve the economics of deep-water production development,” NOV chief executive Clay Williams said.

Lorenzo Simonelli, president and CEO of GE Oil & Gas, on his part, pointed to the increasing importance of digital services. “Digitisation has become not only a competitive differentiator but increasingly, a necessity to help our customers make their businesses stronger long-term.”