Well-Safe Solutions (“Well-Safe”) is pleased to announce contract extensions for two of its offshore rig fleet. One North Sea operator has exercised a 180‑day option on its current contract for the Well-Safe Guardian semi-submersible rig. The additional work scope will occur in direct continuation of the existing campaign, extending operations into 2027.
The Well-Safe Guardian will mobilise in March for a now 360‑day continuous campaign. The exercising of this option reflects strong customer confidence in Well-Safe’s performance and reinforces the company’s reputation for safe and efficient well decommissioning delivery.
In addition to this extension, Spirit Energy has exercised its option to complete the abandonment of two subsea wells in the Southern North Sea using the Well-Safe Protector jack-up rig, with mobilisation scheduled for April. This award further demonstrates the growing demand for Well-Safe’s specialist capabilities and will mark the company’s third offshore campaign with Spirit Energy in as many years.
Alongside last summer’s landmark multi-year agreement with EnQuest, these latest commitments strengthen Well-Safe’s position as a leading specialist in well decommissioning and underline the company’s role in supporting the energy transition through safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.
Well-Safe Solutions is delighted to announce that Mike Forbes has joined in a newly created role of QHSE Director, strengthening the business ahead of the startup of significant projects in 2026 and in line with Well-Safe’s preparation to be appointed as a UK Well Operator.
Mike brings over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Beginning his career as a structural engineer with Aker Solutions, he later served as Managing Director for Aker Solutions UK during a period of significant growth, then as Global Head of HSE for MOL’s upstream division in Hungary, and subsequently as HSEQ Manager at Fairfield Energy during the Dunlin decommissioning campaign. Most recently, Mike was VP Assurance and Sustainability at PD&MS Group, overseeing key customer contracts along with HSE, quality, and sustainability functions.
Matt Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer says, “The creation of the QHSE Director for Well-Safe is to recognise our role as a 3-level Major Accident Hazard (MAH) contractor across Rig Operations, Well Engineering and Saturation diving. Managing the responsibility of our business operations demands that Well-Safe are relentlessly proactive in our management of QHSE and this is reflected in Mikes appointment”.
At Well-Safe, Mike will engage with Regulators, Customers and Peers, proactively delivering all our operations with the strongest QHSE culture and supporting the company’s commitment to preventing harm to people, property, and the environment.
Well-Safe Solutions (“Well-Safe”) has been awarded a new contract for the Well-Safe Guardian semisubmersible. Operations are planned to commence in March 2026, and the new fixture has a firm period of 180-days and a 180-day option to be taken in direct continuation.
This latest new contract for Well-Safe comes only weeks after announcing a landmark multi-year deal with EnQuest for UKCS well decommissioning services, also due to commence early 2026. This new contract represents another major milestone for Well-Safe – reinforcing its position as a leading player in the UKCS decommissioning sector.
Well-Safe Solutions has been awarded a landmark multi-year contract by EnQuest. The firm scope, expected to generate revenue in excess of $45 million, will be executed using the Well-Safe Defender and consists of a minimum of 100 days of activity in 2026 and a minimum of 130 days in 2027. The contract also includes options for further activity between 2028 and 2034, creating a multi-year strategic partnership and securing vital supply chain resources in the North Sea well into the next decade.
The award represents a major milestone for Well-Safe Solutions – reinforcing its position as a leading player in the UK decommissioning sector. It also reflects the company’s strategic evolution, including its 1H 2025 shift to offer full well lifecycle services in response to growing demand for integrated, multi-phase campaigns.
Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, said:
“This contract is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the consistent performance of our teams. It marks a pivotal moment in our journey and sets the tone for the next phase of our growth.”
While 2025 continues to be a challenging time across the sector, this award marks a significant turning point. The industry is preparing for a forecasted increase in demand from 2026 onward, at a time when the availability of mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) has contracted sharply. With only seven semi-submersibles currently in or near the region – many of which are either committed long-term or stacked – market capacity remains constrained.
“This contract award reflects not only Well-Safe’s technical capabilities but also its ability to respond to market needs with agility,” added Chris Hay, Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re proud to support EnQuest in this critical campaign and look forward to delivering a safe and efficient operation.”
The contract award follows the successful completion of decommissioning campaigns with a number of other UKCS clients with the Well-Safe Defender and Well-Safe Protector, and underscores Well-Safe’s reputation for operational excellence. Since its mobilisation in April 2023, the Well-Safe Defender has consistently delivered top-quartile performance, thanks to the dedication and collaboration of both offshore and onshore teams, with rig uptime remaining in excess of 98%.
Commenting on the contract award, EnQuest’s North Sea Managing Director, Steve Bowyer, said:
“EnQuest is delighted to have chosen Well-Safe Solutions to support the next phase of our Group decommissioning plans. Having completed the plugging and abandonment of more than 35% of all wells decommissioned across the northern and central North Sea over the past three years, EnQuest is proud to be one of the most prolific decommissioning operators in the North Sea, employing innovative technologies and operating techniques to deliver top-quartile decommissioning performance. Accordingly, we look forward to executing the upcoming activity in a safe and efficient manner, alongside the Well-Safe team.”
Global energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have received a further contract extension from Italian energy major Eni Energy Netherlands BV to decommission selected subsea and platform wells across Eni’s portfolio in the Dutch sector of the North Sea.
Eni have recently exercised another 90-day option for the Well-Safe Protector jack-up asset under a newly agreed contract amendment. This work is to be executed in direct continuation with the previously declared option which commenced in November 2024.
Upon the completion of this latest option with Eni, the Well-Safe Protector will move directly onto the Spirit Energy contract announced by Well-Safe Solutions in November 2024.
These multi-operator commitments will see the Well-Safe Protector committed until at least August 2025, with further longer-term options agreed with Eni as part of the newly signed contract amendment.
This amendment offers increased flexibility to Eni, who have the option to green light an additional 120 days of work to decommission platform wells immediately after the Spirit Energy work, along with two further options at 180 days each.
If these options are exercised, they have the potential to keep the Well-Safe Protector committed until Q4 2026 outside the UK Continental Shelf.
With the Well-Safe Protector operational in the North Sea continuously since August 2023, it has already decommissioned 25 wells across Dutch and UK waters to date for Eni, Ithaca Energy and Neptune Energy.
Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “Well decommissioning continues to account for a considerable amount of the North Sea’s overall decommissioning activity – with a 50% increase in well decommissioning forecast by OEUK last year.[1]
“Operators around the world are looking for specialist well decommissioning providers with a market-leading track record of delivering safe, efficient well decommissioning operations.
“Since the Well-Safe Protector first mobilised in August 2023, it has delivered top-quartile operational uptime – ensuring the learnings from continual well decommissioning activity are reinvested into future work scopes.
“Effective well decommissioning cannot exist without cooperation, and we are looking forward to deepening the partnership we currently enjoy with Eni as we build the foundations of a long-term well decommissioning campaign at this key moment in the North Sea’s development towards a low-carbon future.”
This latest contract announcement continues a period of growth for the business founded in Aberdeen in 2017.
In November 2024, Well-Safe Solutions announced two new contracts totalling $25m USD for approximately 170 days of firm work in the North Sea, using the Well-Safe Protector jack-up and Well-Safe Defender semi-submersible, for Spirit Energy and an additional global operator.
International energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have been awarded two new contracts totalling $25m USD for approximately 170 days of firm work, using the Well-Safe Protector jack-up and Well-Safe Defender semi-submersible.
The scopes comprise of well decommissioning activity in the UK Continental Shelf for Spirit Energy and an additional global operator.
Both include options for a further combined duration of up to 140 days in 2025 and 2026 – worth up to $25m in addition to the firm $25m backlog.
Spirit Energy have selected the Well-Safe Protector to decommission five wells on the York platform, located in Block 47/03a of the Southern North Sea, over 97 days.
Spirit Energy’s decision to award this scope to Well-Safe Solutions follows a successful campaign for both companies earlier in the year. The Well-Safe Defender previously decommissioned 15 subsea wells in the Trees, Chestnut and Appleton fields in just 11 months with 99.2% rig uptime, concluding work in March 2024.
The firm scope is planned to commence Q2 2025 and will be performed in conjunction with the Well-Safe Protector’s current contract, with the two optional subsea wells to be decommissioned in direct continuation or deferred until a later date. The optional wells are projected to take circa. 50 days.
Spirit Energy’s Head of Wells, Nicky Riley, said: “With York having reached the end of its economic life in the summer this year, Spirit Energy has partnered effectively with Well-Safe Solutions to ensure swift and responsible decommissioning of the asset. This builds on the success of our previous collaborations on the Chestnut, Trees and Appleton fields. Together, we look forward to continue setting the standard for efficient, responsible decommissioning of assets at the end of their productive lives.”
In a separate agreement, the Well-Safe Defender will carry out a well decommissioning campaign on at least two subsea wells in the North Sea for a second unnamed client, beginning in March 2025 and lasting for 75 days, in direct continuation with the rig’s current contract.
This contract contains two optional subsea wells which may be added in direct continuation with the firm scope in 2025, plus a further three subsea wells to be executed during 2026.
Chris Hay, Chief Commercial Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, said: “Securing these contracts with an array of blue-chip operators – each with their own distinct requirements – demonstrates the flexibility of the Well-Safe Solutions offering in safely and efficiently liquidating ageing well stock.
“Welcoming back Spirit Energy for another mutually-beneficial project is testament to the close cooperation and high performance we achieved together in our last campaign.
“As the North Sea continues to face political and economic headwinds, it is heartening to see operators securing valuable North Sea assets amidst a backdrop of availability concerns and units departing the region.
“Approximately 60% of the UKCS’ topside and subsea decommissioning is set to occur between 2026 and 2032[1], making this a key growth industry for the UK and Scotland alike. We are proud to be collaborating with our clients as the industry moves towards a low-carbon future for the North Sea.”
This clutch of new contract wins follows on from the company’s recent expansion into Malaysia in September 2024, with the appointment of Adrin Shafil as Country Manager.
Sustainability Specialist Andrew Murray shares more information on our energy transition journey as we strive to create a sustainable future for the energy sector.
With the energy transition front and centre on the UK’s political agenda and playing an increasing role in the business plans of many organisations, there’s never been a better time to review and analyse the impact of a business on the environment.
The information conveyed in the report is sourced from data that has been captured across the business and from the very first operation of our first asset in January 2022.
Ensuring availability and clarity of this information supports the development of a clear action plan, continually improving across all Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) aspects.
The 2024 report has been developed to capture our progress, inform our stakeholders and ensure transparency as we minimise our environmental impact, promote societal benefits and demonstrate robust governance within the business. It describes the steps we are taking to support the industry in pursuit of the UK’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Well-Safe Solutions offers a broad suite of core services in support of a just and sustainable transition. The company began by offering onshore and offshore well decommissioning engineering services, but has expanded to include the design and drilling of wells for carbon storage, including legacy well preparation for this purpose.
As of October 2024, 956 wells worldwide feature our engineering expertise, with over 80 of these having been physically decommissioned by Well-Safe Solutions’ assets and personnel. Well-Safe Solutions has also provided 135 legacy well reviews for carbon capture and storage purposes for several international energy companies.
We have voluntarily produced this report as part of our commitment to conducting our operations in a sustainable way, supporting both international and national sustainability targets, and benefiting wider society with safe and efficient operations.
We continue to invest significantly in our decommissioning assets and our people to support our environmental, social and governance objectives, which you’ll learn more about in this report.
Well-Safe Solutions is proud to be taking these initial steps in the energy transition process, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As signatories of the UN Global Compact, we are committed to supporting global principles and goals which aim to provide a better future for all.
We look forward to keeping you updated every step of the way as we build an energy transition business fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
Global energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have announced Adrin Shafil as the company’s Country Manager for the Malaysian market.
Adrin, who heads up the business in Kuala Lumpur, brings considerable operator, well management and drilling contractor experience to his new role.
Adrin said: “I’m really excited to be joining Well-Safe Solutions at this key moment in its global growth journey.
“I’ve kept up to date with the company’s recent developments, with Well-Safe Solutions Pty continuing to grow at pace in Australia and throughout South-east Asia.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my well plug and abandonment and engineering experience to bear as we continue to service the well abandonment, personnel and project delivery requirements of clients throughout Malaysia, Australia and beyond.”
Adrin has worked for a variety of internationally-known energy companies throughout his career to date, including ExxonMobil, BHP, Petrofac and Petronas. He is also a former Chief Operating Officer of Velesto Energy, where he was responsible for the operation of seven drilling rigs in Malaysia.
Prior to Well-Safe Solutions, Adrin planned and led the project management team for well decommissioning on the M3, Anding, Tembungo B and Malong projects for Petronas Carigali.
Adrin will report to Massimo Delia, General Manager – Asia-Pacific, as part of Well-Safe Solutions’ global Commercial team.
Speaking on his appointment, Massimo added: “Adrin is an ideal fit for our current business, as well as our long-term aspirations to continue growth in the APAC region.
“His considerable engineering experience and client management skills will bring immediate benefit to our operations – not just in Malaysia, but throughout South-east Asia. Welcome to the team, Adrin!”
Energy transition specialists Well-Safe Solutions have promoted Chris Hay from the position of Strategy and Commercial Director to the role of Chief Commercial Officer, effective from 1 April 2024.
The change comes in recognition of Chris’ exceptional leadership, strategic thinking and deep understanding of the Well-Safe Solutions offering.
Since joining the company in November 2021 as Director of Strategy and Business Development, Chris has grown the company’s Business Development, Commercial, Corporate Sustainability, Marketing and Tendering teams based at the company’s global headquarters in Aberdeen, UK.
Chris continues to be responsible for these departments in his new position, with Well-Safe Solutions Pty Ltd – the company’s Asia-Pacific entity based in Perth, Western Australia – also reporting into him.
In recognition of his new role, Chris said: “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the Well-Safe Solutions team as it has undergone considerable change and organic growth over the past three years.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to take on this leadership role at such an important time for the business. There’s still so much for Well-Safe Solutions to achieve through our international commercial strategy, and we are well-positioned for growth into a number of new markets.”
Phil Milton, Chief Executive Officer at Well-Safe Solutions, added: “With his dedication and commitment to driving growth, I am confident that Chris will excel in this new role and continue to contribute significantly to our company’s ongoing success.”
Catriona Walzak has also been promoted to Strategic Business Analyst from the position of Executive Assistant. She will work closely with the CEO, CFO and CCO to provide strategic support to Well-Safe Solutions’ international growth ambitions.
International energy transition and well decommissioning specialists Well-Safe Solutions have announced the nomination of Chief Executive Officer Phil Milton to the Board of trade body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).
With over three decades of experience in the international energy sector and extensive technical knowledge in all aspects of the well lifecycle, Phil joins the Board as a Non-Executive Director for a minimum of two years.
In this role, Phil will work alongside OEUK to provide perspective on the experiences, opportunities and challenges facing the global well decommissioning sector and its role on the journey to net zero.
Speaking on his appointment, Phil said: “I am honoured to be able to support OEUK during what is a pivotal time for the energy sector within the UK.
“I look forward to working closely with OEUK, its members and the wider board, to assist in showcasing the vital role that the UK’s energy supply chain has to play in delivering a just and sustainable energy transition while we strive toward the goal of net zero carbon emissions.”
Steve Bowyer, General Manager, North Sea at EnQuest and Steve Nicol, Executive President of Operations at Wood have also been appointed with immediate effect to the Board of OEUK.
They will help OEUK continue to set the strategic agenda for the UK’s offshore energy industry and its stakeholders.
David Whitehouse, CEO of Offshore Energies UK, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Steve Bowyer, Phil Milton and Steve Nicol to our Board. They bring experience and skills that will benefit our members and our industry as we build a low carbon future across the UK to safeguard jobs, deliver energy security and unlock economic growth.
“Each of our new Board members brings the kind of practical business and engineering know-how we need to build a globally competitive investment environment and offshore energy future. I look forward to working with them as we continue to champion our sector and show how it can create long-term economic growth across the UK.”
Under Phil’s leadership, Well-Safe Solutions has grown from a company of six employees at inception in 2017 to an international, multi-discipline business with over 430 staff today. It has acquired and converted three offshore drilling rigs into specialist well decommissioning assets, expanded internationally into the Asia-Pacific market, and increased revenue generation with year-on-year growth.
Phil’s appointment comes in a general election year in which OEUK is championing a homegrown transition built on the UK’s offshore energy heritage. If the nation can create a globally competitive investment environment, this future offers huge opportunities for the UK’s firms, their supply chains and skilled people.
Read and download the OEUK 2024 Industry Manifesto free of charge at oeuk.org.uk/manifesto.
