Press release
Press release
Wood signs a trio of global engineering agreements with bp
Highlights
40+
year relationship
660k+
hours executed by Wood without lost-time incidents
80%
personnel participation in safety observations
The Murlach field redevelopment project, operated by bp and its co-venturer, NEO Energy, is a strategically significant offshore development in the UK’s Central North Sea.
Located approximately 200 km east of Aberdeenshire, the project involved drilling two new production wells and installing subsea infrastructure to tie back to bp’s Eastern Trough Area Project (ETAP) central processing facility.
Murlach commenced production in October 2025, adding a peak net production of around 15,000 boed to ETAP - a hub operating for 27 years and expected to recover 25.9 million barrels of oil and 602 million cubic metres of gas.
Scope
Wood’s involvement with Murlach started in 2019, performing topsides pre-front-end engineering and design (pre-FEED) and front-end engineering design (FEED) for the project.
We supported bp to explore options, challenge assumptions – including a decision to not use a flotel - and develop a practical execution model. This collaborative mindset extended through logistics planning and vendor management, ensuring smooth delivery and alignment.
In January 2024, Wood was reengaged by bp to execute the Murlach project following successful execution of the Seagull tie-back - bp’s first tie-back to ETAP in 20 years. Strong performance on Seagull demonstrated our ability to deliver complex brownfield scopes, positioning Wood as a trusted partner for Murlach.
In early 2025, Wood also conducted operations readiness for Murlach subsea operations, ensuring safe start-up and support for early operations. This included preparation of ETAP documentation by developing risk assessments, integrity and corrosion management strategies, facility overview drawings, emergency response procedures and dead-leg registers.
Solution
Over 200 Wood employees from across Aberdeen and Glasgow were involved in the design and execution of this project for Murlach. Key personnel were retained from Seagull to maintain knowledge and momentum, adding value through team continuity.
Fit for purpose brownfield modifications
Wood’s engineers designed fit for purpose, reliable and cost-effective modifications focused on reusing existing infrastructure to enhance production and extend the life of the platform. Early Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP) studies informed design and execution, improving safety and reliability.
Strategic project planning
Wood’s planning approach was critical to delivering Murlach ahead of schedule and under budget. From concept through execution, we focused on practical lead times, robust FEED and early engagement to ensure predictability.
The project required deep brownfield expertise and integration capabilities to modify ETAP while maintaining production. Two major shutdowns demanded meticulous planning and alignment across workpacks.
Originally, a flotel was considered in the conceptual phase, but we worked with bp to challenge this assumption, delivering the entire scope through rig beds. This decision saved significant cost and complexity.
Operating within a PoB (personnel on board) limit of 40, we demonstrated flexibility and innovation to maintain safety and productivity without additional accommodation vessels.
Keeping safety a priority
A safety-first culture was embedded across the workforce, resulting in a conscious, engaged team who looked out for one another. The ‘Murlach Project Safety Charter’, an internal initiative set by bp and Wood, was deployed to align and reaffirm commitment to safety.
Proactive safety supervisor and leadership training was delivered throughout the project, designed to improve active communications and listening, covering active listening techniques, effective communications and styles, verification of information and feedback and assurance.
Result
Murlach successfully delivered under budget
Project successfully delivered under budget, achieved through strong performance and strict adherence to the original design and execution plan. Robust planning from concept through to execution, ensured predictability and efficiency, avoiding costly variations and delivering measurable benefits for bp.
Project completed ahead of schedule
Execution finished ahead of schedule, with first oil delivered earlier than planned based on the original three-year timeline.
Recognised for world-class project delivery
Widely recognised both internally and within bp at senior leadership level as a best-in-class project for both cost and schedule delivery ranked worldwide against our peers.
Safety excellence
Zero lost-time incidents (LTI-free) signaling strong HSE engagement from the workforce at all levels, including leadership.
Concept to execution, one single interface
Using one trusted partner from concept through execution gave bp a streamlined delivery model, reducing complexity, avoiding costly handovers and ensuring predictable outcomes. This continuity enabled faster decision-making, stronger collaboration and efficiency across all phases, all based around a robust concept.
Safe, quality delivery within platform constraints
All work completed within personnel on board limits without a flotel.
Lessons learned to unlock cost savings
Applied best practices from Seagull tieback, achieving significant cost reductions.
Trusted partner
bp selected Wood for Murlach based on strong performance, reflecting confidence in Wood’s delivery.
All engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) solutions to enhance the central processing facility of bp’s ETAP production hub were completed without lost time injury and with all personnel remaining on board throughout. This is testament to the fantastic teamwork both onshore and offshore.
Darren Anderson
Senior Vice President, UK Operations, Wood
