Saudi Aramco’s offshore portfolio in the Arabian Gulf remains one of the most capital intensive and strategically important upstream systems in the world, anchored by giant fields such as Safaniya, Manifa, Zuluf and Marjan. These assets collectively sustain a significant share of Saudi Arabia’s production capacity and continue to generate a steady pipeline of EPC, offshore construction and drilling opportunities for contractors operating in the region.
Production strategy and rig suspensions
The temporary suspension of more than 36 jack up drilling rigs during 2024 and 2025 reflects a tactical adjustment to Saudi Arabia’s revised production capacity target rather than a structural slowdown in offshore activity. Aramco’s decision to pause certain drilling programs followed the directive to halt plans to raise maximum sustainable capacity from 12 to 13 million barrels per day. However, the company’s offshore development program remains active, particularly through brownfield expansions and infrastructure upgrades across its mature Gulf fields.
Zuluf and Marjan expansions driving engineering demand
Projects such as the Zuluf and Marjan expansions highlight the scale of offshore engineering still underway. Both developments involve the installation of new production platforms, subsea pipelines, offshore processing facilities and onshore integration infrastructure. These programs represent multi billion dollar investments designed to sustain production efficiency while integrating more advanced technologies for offshore operations.
Major EPC packages and fabrication hubs
The Marjan field expansion alone has involved multiple EPC packages covering offshore platforms, jackets, subsea pipelines and gas processing infrastructure. Contractors such as McDermott, NPCC and other regional fabrication specialists have been heavily involved in delivering these facilities, many of which are fabricated at Saudi Arabia’s growing offshore construction hubs including the Ras Al Khair fabrication complex. These yards are becoming increasingly important for localizing offshore manufacturing and supporting Saudi Arabia’s in country value strategy.
Manifa, a unique offshore development model
The Manifa development also remains one of the most unique offshore engineering achievements globally. Instead of relying solely on offshore platforms, the project was constructed using a network of artificial islands connected by causeways. This hybrid onshore offshore design required an enormous drilling campaign involving around 30 rigs during construction and continues to support long term production operations in shallow Gulf waters.
Drilling contractors supporting aramco’s fleet
Despite the recent rig suspensions, drilling activity remains substantial. Saudi Aramco continues to rely on a diversified group of drilling contractors including Arabian Drilling Company, ADES, Shelf Drilling, Valaris and Borr Drilling. These contractors supply a large fleet of jack up rigs capable of operating in the shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf. Even with some rigs temporarily stacked, the region remains one of the most important global markets for offshore jack up drilling.
A vast offshore marine logistics network
Beyond drilling operations, the scale of Aramco’s offshore logistics network is equally impressive. The company’s marine department operates more than 350 vessels supporting offshore installations across the Gulf. These include crew transfer vessels, tugboats, offshore supply vessels and specialized service boats that transport personnel, equipment and materials between platforms and onshore bases. This marine fleet functions as the logistical backbone of Aramco’s offshore production system.
Long term EPC opportunities
For EPC contractors and offshore service providers, Saudi Aramco’s offshore program continues to represent a long term opportunity. Even when drilling cycles fluctuate, ongoing maintenance, platform upgrades, pipeline replacements and expansion projects ensure a steady flow of engineering and construction work.
A cornerstone of global oil supply
In many ways, the Arabian Gulf operations demonstrate how mature offshore fields can continue delivering value through continuous reinvestment in infrastructure. Rather than large greenfield discoveries, the focus has shifted toward optimizing existing assets through new platforms, enhanced drilling campaigns and modernized facilities.
As global energy markets evolve, Saudi Aramco’s offshore network remains a cornerstone of global oil supply. Its massive fleet of rigs, vessels and offshore infrastructure highlights not only the scale of the company’s operations but also the vast industrial ecosystem required to sustain production from some of the world’s largest offshore fields.
