DeepOcean has been awarded an offshore installation contract by Equinor covering simultaneous marine operations and production (SIMOPRO) on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

The work scope spans two major projects: at the Åsgard field in the Norwegian Sea, DeepOcean will handle riser removal, installation of a new production riser, dynamic umbilical connections from the Berling subsea assets, two static infield bypass umbilicals, flying leads, and protection covers. At the Visund field in the North Sea, the company will replace an existing production riser.

A SIMOPRO operation refers to a complex offshore job where marine construction or installation activities are carried out while an offshore facility is producing hydrocarbons.

“This type of job requires high-level coordination and safety planning from both the operator and subcontractors to ensure smooth execution," said Olaf A. Hansen, Managing Director, DeepOcean Europe. "We have successfully delivered such projects in the past for Equinor and are therefore delighted to be chosen once again.”

“These projects require detailed planning of the offshore activities. Our approach is to conduct onshore simulator training of the vessel’s marine crew in advance, to ensure safe and controlled operations once we are offshore,” added Hansen.

The work is scheduled for the summer season of 2026 and will be carried out with the construction vessel Edda Freya. DeepOcean will also provide project management, engineering, and procurement services onshore.