Equinor has signed new long-term framework agreements for insulation, scaffolding, and surface treatment (ISS) services across its six onshore plants in Norway.
The contracts, worth an estimated NOK 17 billion (£1.2 billion), have been awarded to Beerenberg Services AS and Linjebygg AS (joint venture), KAEFER Energy AS, Bilfinger ISP Offshore Norway AS, and StS-ISONOR AS. Together, they will provide more than 1,000 full-time jobs over an initial four-year period, with options for two further two-year extensions.
The new agreements will take effect from 1 January 2026, replacing existing contracts that expire at the end of this year. A gradual transition is planned to ensure safe and continuous operations while allowing suppliers to plan resources efficiently.
Mette Ottøy, Equinor’s Chief Procurement Officer, said the new framework was developed following close consultation with the Norwegian industry association KIS (Corrosion, Insulation and Scaffolding Contractors).
“We have listened to the industry and built a contract model that gives both Equinor and the suppliers better control and more stable frameworks,” she said. “This allows for development, investment, competence building, and the use of new technology and methods.”
The agreements will cover all Equinor-operated onshore facilities:
- Hammerfest LNG: KAEFER Energy AS
- Kårstø: Bilfinger ISP Offshore Norway AS
- Mongstad and Tjeldbergodden: Beerenberg / Linjebygg (Altrad)
- Sture and Kollsnes: StS-ISONOR AS
Christina D. Dreetz, Equinor’s Director of Onshore Plants, said the contracts will secure long-term employment and support regional economies.
“ISS services are essential for safe and efficient operations,” she said. “These agreements provide predictability for a large number of skilled workers and lay the foundation for long-term jobs along the coast from Stavanger to Hammerfest.”
Equinor operates four of the six plants, with Gassco operating Kårstø and Kollsnes and Equinor acting as the technical service provider. Together, the sites employ more than 10,000 people, including staff at subcontractors and local suppliers.
According to a 2024 report by Kunnskapsparken Bodø, the plants generated NOK 12.9 billion in goods and services purchases, with 87% sourced from Norwegian companies.
