Collaboration Under New Framework Agreement with bp Targets First Gas by 2026
Subsea7 and SLB OneSubsea have been awarded a substantial engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract by bp for its Ginger gas development, offshore Trinidad and Tobago. The project marks one of the first to be launched under a new global framework agreement between bp and the Subsea Integration Alliance (SIA), combining the expertise of Subsea7 and SLB OneSubsea.
So what’s the big deal here? Well, the Ginger project is more than just another offshore development. It represents a shift in how key offshore players like bp, Subsea7, and SLB OneSubsea are working together—favoring transparency, early collaboration, and aligned incentives over the traditional siloed approach. It’s not just about installing subsea hardware; it’s about doing it smarter and more efficiently over the long term.
Location and Scope: Offshore Trinidad and Tobago
Situated off the southeast coast of Trinidad, the Ginger field sits in relatively shallow waters—up to 90 meters deep. That might not sound deep by offshore standards, but it brings its own set of logistical and engineering challenges, particularly for a project targeting early gas by 2026.
Subsea7 will take on the supply and installation of a diver-installed tie-in system, a flexible production flowline, and the associated subsea infrastructure. Meanwhile, SLB OneSubsea is tasked with delivering four standardized vertical monobore subsea trees and tubing hangers, aimed at cutting down delivery and installation timelines.
Perhaps the most interesting technical element? SLB OneSubsea will also provide the region’s first high-integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS) manifold. While it might sound like an alphabet soup of engineering terms, HIPPS is a vital safety mechanism, allowing upstream pressure control and minimizing environmental risks—a major step for regional offshore practices.
New Framework = New Way of Working
This isn’t just a one-off collaboration. The Ginger award stems from a larger global framework agreement that bp has struck with the Subsea Integration Alliance. The goal? A streamlined, repeatable model for future offshore EPCI projects worldwide.
According to Olivier Blaringhem, CEO of Subsea Integration Alliance, “This is an exciting and important project for our novel global framework with bp, which expands our EPCI collaboration to Trinidad and Tobago.” He emphasized that this structure provides long-term value through better cost management and stronger asset utilization.
So, what does this actually look like in practice? Under the new framework, partners engage earlier in the project lifecycle, allowing for system-level optimization before design and construction even begin. That means less rework, more predictability, and—yes—lower risk. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s a pragmatic evolution in subsea contracting.
Local Impact: A Boost for Regional Offshore Operations
While the Ginger project is international in scope, its impact will be felt locally. With engineering and project management kicking off immediately from Subsea7’s Houston office, the execution phase will extend into the Caribbean with offshore activities set for 2026.
Craig Broussard, Senior Vice President for Subsea7 in the Gulf of Mexico, noted, “This is a significant project for the region, and one which will benefit from decades of collaboration between bp, Subsea7, and SLB OneSubsea.” He added that the collective goal is clear: delivering first gas in 2026.
This collaboration isn’t just technical—there’s an underlying current of regional development here. For Trinidad and Tobago, a country with a rich history in natural gas, projects like Ginger reaffirm its place on the global energy map. With upstream investment flowing in and local waters offering proven reserves, the Ginger development could contribute significantly to national output and revenue.
Strategic Alignment: EPCI at the Core
Let’s not forget the strategic play here. EPCI contracts—where engineering, procurement, construction, and installation are bundled—are increasingly favored by majors like bp for their simplicity and end-to-end accountability. By handing over integrated responsibilities to trusted alliances like SIA, bp reduces interface risk, shortens timelines, and potentially lowers total cost of ownership.
It’s a model that’s being replicated elsewhere, but Ginger gives us a concrete example of how it can work in smaller, shallow-water fields too—not just mega-projects.
The project also hints at a growing trend: smaller, fast-track offshore developments aimed at near-term production. With global energy markets still adjusting to fluctuating demand and geopolitical instability, developments like Ginger offer a leaner, more agile approach.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With offshore operations planned for 2026, timelines are tight. Early-stage planning and procurement will be critical over the next year. All eyes will be on how this alliance manages to deliver within its promised schedule while maintaining safety and efficiency standards in one of the region’s key offshore zones.
The Ginger development isn’t just a project—it’s a benchmark for how integrated offshore contracting is evolving, and how long-standing players like bp, Subsea7, and SLB OneSubsea are adapting to meet both commercial and operational goals under changing market dynamics.
