Oil & Gas

A significant milestone has been achieved in Romania’s Neptun Deep gas project, which is set to exploit recoverable reserves of 100 billion cubic meters beneath the Black Sea. The project has secured two new contracts with U.S. drilling company Expro, which will supply services and equipment.

The contracts are a vital step for the development of the project, with Expro providing pipe operation services, drilling tools, and enhanced well control systems. These developments were highlighted in the latest energy updates from a Washington-based energy platform.

The Neptun Deep gas project is a joint venture between Austria’s OMV Petrom and Romania’s largest gas producer, Romgaz, each holding a 50% stake. The project aims to boost Romania’s gas production and establish the country as a net exporter of gas for the first time.

Production is anticipated to begin in 2027, with expectations to double Romania's gas output, significantly enhancing the country's role in both local and European gas markets.

Expro’s involvement in the project is part of the company’s broader expansion in Romania. They recently opened a new office in Bucharest and have launched a workforce development program to enhance local capabilities.

The company’s regional manager, Andrei Ion, emphasized Expro’s progress in expanding its operations and the importance of the Neptun Deep project for Romania’s energy future. The project is crucial for ensuring stable gas supplies both within Romania and across Europe.

In addition to the Expro contracts, there have been significant developments regarding the gas infrastructure. OMV signed an agreement in January 2025 with German company Uniper to supply natural gas from the Neptun Deep project, starting in 2027 for a period of 15 years.

The project is set to generate 8 billion cubic meters of gas annually over a 10-year span, and it is expected to help Romania become one of the largest gas producers in the European Union. Additionally, major infrastructure contracts have been awarded to companies such as Corinth Pipeworks and Norway’s Green Yard Kleven to manufacture steel pipes and build support vessels for the project.