Strategic MoU Targets Operational Excellence
U.S.-based offshore engineering and construction specialist McDermott has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norwegian software company Aize to deploy advanced digital twin technology across its Middle Eastern operations.
The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency across the entire asset lifecycle — from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phases to long-term operations. The initial implementation will focus on Qatar, with potential expansion into the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in subsequent phases.
Driving Digital Transformation in Energy Infrastructure
Digital twin technology creates a virtual replica of physical assets, enabling operators to monitor, simulate, and optimise performance in real time. Aize’s platform consolidates data and workflows into a single, intuitive workspace, allowing engineering and operations teams to make better-informed decisions at every stage of a project.
“At Aize, we empower industrial companies to accelerate their digital transformation through our digital twin technology,” the company said in a statement. “By centralising data and workflows in a single, intuitive workspace, we help teams make better decisions, faster, from design through to operations.”
Both companies share a vision of leveraging technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock greater value for customers in the Middle East — a region where the oil, gas, and energy sectors are increasingly embracing digitalisation.
Building on Aize’s Global Track Record
The agreement with McDermott follows Aize’s recent contract with BP in January, where the tech provider secured a deal to deliver visualisation services for a range of offshore assets. That project showcased the potential for digital twin technology to transform asset management in complex offshore environments.
By partnering with McDermott, Aize will now have the opportunity to bring this expertise to a broader regional stage, integrating its solutions into McDermott’s engineering and construction workflows.
Qatar as the Launchpad
Qatar’s position as a leading global energy exporter makes it a natural starting point for the collaboration. The country is home to some of the largest LNG facilities and offshore operations in the world, offering a prime test bed for digital twin integration.
Once proven in Qatar, McDermott and Aize plan to evaluate opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two other key Middle Eastern energy hubs undergoing significant infrastructure expansion and technological transformation.
McDermott’s Expanding Project Portfolio
While advancing its digital strategy, McDermott continues to secure major engineering contracts worldwide. Recently, a consortium led by Saipem, with PT McDermott Indonesia as a partner, won a dual front-end engineering design (FEED) contract with INPEX for the Abadi LNG project offshore Indonesia.
Such projects highlight McDermott’s capacity to deliver complex energy infrastructure while simultaneously investing in next-generation tools that could redefine how those assets are built and managed.
Digital Twins in the Middle East Energy Sector
The adoption of digital twin technology in the Middle East aligns with broader industry trends as governments and energy companies push for greater efficiency, sustainability, and predictive maintenance. Digital twins enable continuous monitoring, scenario modelling, and early fault detection, reducing downtime and extending asset lifespan — crucial advantages in high-value offshore operations.
By merging McDermott’s decades of EPC expertise with Aize’s cutting-edge software, the partnership aims to set a new benchmark for digital integration in the region’s energy sector.
Looking Ahead
With the MoU in place, McDermott and Aize will begin working on implementation plans, starting in Qatar. The rollout is expected to focus initially on operational readiness and data integration, ensuring that digital twin models are fully aligned with real-world asset performance.
If successful, the collaboration could serve as a template for similar initiatives across the region, helping to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions in one of the world’s most important energy markets.
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