Emerson Process Management has entered into a five-year Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with Shell to serve as a Main Automation Contractor (MAC) on future capital projects around the world.
Under the agreement, Emerson will provide project and support services for main automation systems, including Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).
The contract also provides for ongoing maintenance of existing systems, plus the supply of new systems for both ‘brownfield’ and ‘greenfield’ facilities.
Though Shell has utilised a MAC strategy in its downstream businesses for years, the company is expanding the concept to make it a centre-point of an enterprise-wide automation strategy, according to Emerson.
“This Global Framework Agreement marks a completely new approach within Shell,” said Shell upstream automation portfolio manager, Nick Curley.
“It is a long-term, competitive, collaborative, performance-based relationship that will facilitate the delivery of considerable value to both parties. We will be looking to emulate this approach in many other key global categories in the future.”
According to Shell, this new agreement will put Emerson in a position to substantially broaden its Main Automation Contractor footprint within the company.