AN oil and gas technology company has received a major boost after agreeing a contract with Statoil.

Aberdeenshire-based Darcy makes a product called a hydraulic screen which is said to offer a cost efficient alternative to existing methods of dealing with excess sand build-up when drilling.

It eliminates the need for specialist pumping crews or deployment of additional tools required to gravel pack a well.

The technology was recently deployed on Statoil’s Statfjord field in the Norwegian North Sea.

Darcy, which has its headquarters in Kintore and was founded in 2009, has now agreed a framework agreement with Statoil which could run for up to seven years and is potentially worth millions of pounds.

Steve Bruce, chief executive of Darcy said: “This framework agreement is a major milestone in Darcy’s growth and signals a new trajectory for the company.

“Having invested considerably in the development of our hydraulic screens, it is fantastic to now have proven technology which we aim to roll out globally at a time when the industry is focused on driving efficiencies and reducing costs.

“Our hydraulic system offers a more efficient alternative and enables operators to complete wells which would be difficult or impossible using traditional sand control methods.”

Mr Bruce added: “Securing field trials of new technology in oil and gas has always been challenging and we are grateful to Statoil for being so receptive to and supportive of our technology.”