Italian oilfield contractor Saipem has awarded UTEC, a global survey company in subsea services group Acteon, a contract to support Saipem’s operation for Egypt’s deepwater Zohr gas field development project in the Mediterranean Sea, reported Oil Review Africa.

UTEC announced that it will work with Saipem in performing surface positioning on-board its operated barges, Bautino and Castoro 10, and associated Anchor Handling Vehicles (AHVs), informed Trade Arabia.

As per the contract, the company will also provide trenching support, including trench monitoring services and as-trenched surveys utilizing UTEC’s Teledyne Gavia Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in water depths ranging from 2.5 to 20 meters. The contract is expected to last around five months.

UTEC’s Director of Business Unit for Europe and Africa, Cory Goodyear, stated, “UTEC has built up a strong relationship with Saipem utilising AUV solutions in Africa, and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship to remain at the forefront of emerging technology and ensure that all of our customers continue to receive world-class service and solutions.”