Cairn Oil & Gas, a subsidiary of Vedanta Group and one of India’s largest private oil and gas exploration company, has signed a strategic alliance with TechnipFMC plc to fast-track the deployment of integrated subsea infrastructure for deepwater projects in India.
By leveraging TechnipFMC’s advanced Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (iEPCITM) execution model, the partnership aims to enhance efficiency and innovation in offshore operations.
Optimizing Project Performance with Cutting-Edge Technology
The collaboration allows Cairn to advance its deepwater exploration goals by utilizing TechnipFMC’s expertise and state-of-the-art technologies. The agreement also integrates Front-End Engineering and Design (iFEEDTM), ensuring early-stage project optimization through TechnipFMC’s Subsea Production Systems (SPS) and Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines (SURF) solutions.
Strengthening India’s Energy Security
As a major contributor to India’s energy landscape, Cairn currently produces ~25% of the nation’s domestic crude oil. The company aims to double this output through sustainable and responsible energy practices, reinforcing India’s long-term energy security.
Agreement Signed at CERAWeek 2025
The alliance was officially signed in the presence of Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal during CERAWeek 2025, the world’s leading oil and gas conference.
Hitesh Vaid, Chief Financial Officer of Cairn Oil & Gas, stated, “This collaboration is a pivotal step toward achieving our deepwater ambitions. TechnipFMC’s expertise aligns perfectly with our vision, enabling us to accelerate project execution and meet our bold targets”.
Doug Pferdehirt, Chairman and CEO of TechnipFMC, highlighted the importance of this agreement. He stated that it lays the foundation for deploying the iEPCITM model. This will help Cairn achieve its deepwater development goals with greater speed and certainty.
Cairn’s Deepwater Exploration Plans in the KG Basin
Cairn holds over 4,500 sq. km. of offshore deepwater blocks in the Krishna Godavari (KG) Basin on India’s east coast. The water depths in these blocks range from 500 to 2,500 meters.
The block includes:
- Four existing gas discoveries
- 2,000 sq. km. covered with 3D seismic surveys
- Four additional prospects with an estimated 5 TCF of resources yet to be drilled
As per the press release, the alliance strengthens Cairn’s deepwater capabilities. It positions the company at the forefront of India’s offshore energy expansion.
