Wood Achieves $920 Million in Contracts Across Middle East, Driving Energy Transition and Local Talent Development

Wood Achieves $920 Million in Contracts Across Middle East, Driving Energy Transition and Local Talent Development

(IN BRIEF) Wood achieved a record-breaking $920 million in contracts across the Middle East in 2024, covering key markets like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. Projects include pre-FEED work for Aramco, integrated design and construction support for TotalEnergies, and a CO2 flare gas reduction program cutting over 10 million tonnes annually. Wood also provides carbon advisory and digital solutions for hydrogen and carbon capture projects. The company expanded its regional workforce by 500 employees and is recruiting for 130 more roles. To support local talent, Wood is launching a vocational training center in Iraq in 2025 and has created graduate programs in multiple countries, with 87 graduates joining in 2024. Wood’s efforts were recognized with a Nafis Award for fostering Emirati talent.

(PRESS RELEASE) ABERDEEN, 18-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Wood has secured an impressive $920 million in new contracts across the Middle East in 2024, marking a record year of strategic wins. The contracts span key markets in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the company recently inaugurated its third office in Sharjah.

The scope of work highlights Wood’s role in advancing critical energy and sustainability projects in the region. In Saudi Arabia, Wood is leading pre-FEED activities for Aramco’s Southern and Northern Areas project. In Iraq, the company is providing integrated FEED, detailed design, procurement support, and construction and commissioning assistance for TotalEnergies. Additionally, Wood is driving a flare gas reduction program that has successfully cut over 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually, showcasing its expertise in brownfield modifications and maintenance. The company is also delivering carbon advisory and digital solutions, including consulting on hydrogen and carbon capture initiatives.

Accelerating Energy Transition in the Middle East

Ken Gilmartin, CEO at Wood, emphasized the company’s strategic focus on the region, stating: “The Middle East is pivotal to the global energy transition, and Wood is proud to partner with leading companies like Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, Shell, and TotalEnergies to accelerate the journey to net zero. Our record-breaking achievements this year reflect the dedication of our 3,500-strong team and the value we bring when engaged at the earliest stages of projects. By ensuring efficiency, cost savings, and quality throughout the lifecycle of an asset, we are strengthening our position as a trusted partner in the region.”

He added, “This growth is also creating unparalleled career and development opportunities within Wood, allowing us to attract top talent and further expand our presence in the Middle East.”

Expanding Workforce and Investing in Talent Development

Wood has expanded its Middle East workforce by 500 employees over the past year, with the UAE seeing a 25% increase in headcount alone. To sustain this momentum, the company is actively recruiting for 130 additional roles across the region.

Wood is also investing significantly in local skills development. In early 2025, the company, in partnership with Al Majal, will open a vocational training center in Basra, Iraq, aimed at nurturing early-career talent. Structured graduate engineering programs in the UAE, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia have also been established, offering both on-the-job and classroom-based training. In 2024 alone, 87 graduates joined Wood’s workforce, reinforcing its commitment to developing local expertise.

Recognition for Commitment to Local Talent

This dedication to fostering regional talent was acknowledged with the prestigious Nafis Award in 2024, recognizing Wood’s efforts to attract and develop Emirati professionals in the UAE.

With these strategic wins and investments, Wood continues to play a leading role in driving the energy transition while building a skilled workforce to meet the region’s future needs.

Media Contact:

press.office@woodgroup.com

SOURCE: John Wood Group PLC