The Engineering Behind ADNOC & McDermott’s Nasr Project

The Middle East's offshore energy sector continues to function as a key indicator of global energy security. 

American engineering and construction firm McDermott has been awarded a substantial contract by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), demonstrating the continued significance of conventional energy infrastructure amid evolving global priorities.

McDermott's contract, classified as "major" and valued between US$750m to US$1bn, centres on the Nasr-115 Expansion Project.

Situated roughly 130km northwest of Abu Dhabi, this development forms a crucial component of the wider Nasr Phase II Full Field Development. The project aims to boost the Nasr field's oil production capacity to 115,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027.

Complex engineering requirements

The contract's scope reflects the technical challenges associated with maximising output from established offshore basins.

McDermott will deliver comprehensive engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) services, encompassing the fabrication and installation of two topside structures, a new manifold tower, a jacket and a connecting bridge.

The mandate also includes laying all required pipelines and cables, plus essential brownfield modifications.

These modifications carry particular significance, as they involve incorporating new, advanced hardware into existing operational infrastructure – a process requiring meticulous execution to prevent any interruption to ongoing production.

According to Mike Sutherland, McDermott's Senior Vice President for Offshore Middle East: "McDermott shares ADNOC's commitment to increase offshore production capacity and will do its part with safe, efficient delivery of the Nasr-115 Expansion Project to the highest quality standards.

"Our decades-long track record of delivering innovative, comprehensive solutions across complex offshore developments supports ADNOC's vision for sustainable energy growth and to meet its capacity goals as part of the P5 project."

ADNOC's broader production strategy

Viewing this project in isolation would overlook its wider strategic context.

The Nasr-115 expansion represents an integral element of ADNOC's "P5" initiative – a state-driven programme targeting production capacity of five million barrels per day.
While Western supermajors face mounting pressure to transition towards renewable energy sources, national oil companies (NOCs) such as ADNOC are reinforcing their natural competitive advantages. This approach extends beyond simple expansion to encompass resilience.

By enhancing capacity, the UAE could offer a critical safeguard against global supply disruptions.

For the wider global economy, this additional capacity could act as a price stabiliser, potentially reducing the volatility frequently experienced at fuel pumps and across industrial supply chains.

Angela De Vincentis, McDermott's Vice President of Operations for Offshore Middle East, emphasised the partnership's regional importance: "This award underscores McDermott's position as a trusted partner in executing large-scale energy infrastructure projects in the region. We are proud to further support development of the UAE's energy sector in a safe and sustainable manner."

Technological advancement in extraction

Contemporary offshore development has progressed considerably beyond historical extraction methodologies.

The Nasr-115 project could signal a shift towards more intelligent extraction practices.

By combining conventional engineering with digital optimisation and AI-enabled well-control systems – such as the Robowell technology already deployed by ADNOC – the industry appears capable of increasing output whilst simultaneously reducing operational carbon intensity. This technological evolution could prove essential for the Middle East to sustain its position as a leading global energy hub.

While mature basins in areas such as the North Sea encounter increasing regulatory challenges and rising extraction costs, the UAE is utilising its advanced infrastructure and comparatively lower production costs to maintain market leadership.

A contract of this magnitude represents a substantial economic catalyst beyond production metrics.

It could support thousands of highly skilled engineering and construction positions and suggests that the major oil service sector remains a significant global employer.

McDermott, operating as a fully integrated provider, is positioning itself to connect current energy demands with future infrastructure requirements.

As the industry manages the complex balance between satisfying immediate global demand and achieving long-term decarbonisation objectives, projects such as Nasr-115 could offer a potential model.

They suggest that through investment in efficiency and technological integration, the sector might continue supporting global energy security whilst financing the eventual transition to a lower-carbon future.