Landmark Engineering Contract Awarded to McDermott
HOUSTON, February 1, 2026 – McDermott International, Ltd. has made significant strides in the energy sector by securing a pivotal decommissioning definition engineering contract from QatarEnergy. This project marks a historic milestone as it represents Qatar's first substantial offshore decommissioning initiative.
Under the contract, McDermott is tasked with creating an extensive technical and commercial framework needed for the safe and systematic retirement of 27 aging offshore platforms along with their associated subsea infrastructure. This includes subsea cables and pipelines located in the notable Al-Karkara, Idd El-Shargi, and Maydan Mahzam fields. With a wealth of expertise in offshore operations and decommissioning, McDermott is set to prioritize safety, efficiency, and environmental accountability throughout the project.
Mike Sutherland, McDermott's Senior Vice President, Offshore Middle East, highlighted the significance of this project, stating, "This award represents a monumental achievement for McDermott, QatarEnergy, and the State of Qatar as we embark on this first-of-its-kind decommissioning project. Our aim is to establish a solid framework that will set industry standards for future initiatives in the region."
Neil Gunnion, country head and vice president of operations for Qatar, also commented on the partnership, noting, "Having installed a majority of Qatar’s offshore assets, we are excited to build on our extensive experience and continue delivering innovative, lifecycle-focused energy solutions through our strong collaboration with QatarEnergy."
Leveraging its comprehensive engineering capabilities, McDermott will ensure a smooth transition from the decommissioning definition engineering phase to actual execution. This plan focuses on safety and environmentally friendly removal strategies tailored specifically to the unique challenges of offshore environments. By minimizing operational risks, McDermott aims to advance sustainable and efficient project delivery.
The definition engineering work is set to begin immediately from McDermott's office in Doha, marking the start of a dedicated effort to redefine offshore decommissioning in Qatar.
About McDermott
McDermott International, Ltd. stands as a leading, fully-integrated provider of engineering and construction solutions for the energy sector. Trust is paramount as customers turn to McDermott's technology-driven approaches, which are designed to responsibly harness and transform global energy resources into essential products. From initial concepts to final commissioning, McDermott’s innovative capabilities facilitate the development of next-generation global energy infrastructure, fostering a brighter, more sustainable future. Operating in over 30 countries, the company’s global resources consist of more than 30,000 employees and a diverse fleet of specialized marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities.
For further information, visit
www.mcdermott.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
It is essential to note that statements in this communication projecting future outcomes, while based on reasonable assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Hence, we encourage caution in placing undue reliance on these projections. Various factors, including market variability and project execution challenges, may influence actual outcomes, causing them to differ significantly from forecasts. McDermott undertakes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements unless mandated by law.