Andrei Ion – Senior Area Manager, Europe, Mediterranean and Caspian Area: Expro’s Key Priorities in Europe and Romania

Andrei Ion has over 30 years of experience in the oilfield including over 15 years of outstanding experience in managing remote locations in emerging markets (West & South & East Africa, CIS, Eastern Europe), developing target driven management teams and delivering new operational bases built to international standards. With a keen understanding of business priorities, he managed to transform the company’s business through radically improving service quality and incrementally improved profit margin.

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Headquartered in Houston, United States, Expro is a visionary full-cycle energy services expert offering novel, insightful solutions, dependable competency and award-winning safety across the entire well life cycle.

Combining innovative, future-facing technology with high-quality data across well construction, well flow management and production, subsea well access and well integrity and intervention, the company has a reputation for extraordinary performance that keeps the operations running smoothly.

Andrei Ion – Senior Area Manager, Europe, Mediterranean and Caspian Area at Expro, traces the company’s global evolution and focuses on sustainable energy solutions as we move into a new low carbon era.

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Dear Andrei Ion, as an engineer specialized in the oil and gas field you have a rich management experience in Romania and abroad. What motivated you to choose Expro?

Andrei Ion: My decision to join Expro was driven by a combination of the company’s reputation, its forward-thinking approach to energy services, and its commitment to excellence in both technology and safety. With over 80 years of experience, Expro has built a strong legacy in the energy sector, consistently delivering innovative solutions across the entire well life cycle.

One of the key aspects that attracted me to Expro was its ability to balance a strong heritage with a clear vision for the future. The company is not just focused on maintaining operational excellence in traditional oil and gas services but is also actively investing in sustainable energy solutions, such as geothermal energy and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). This forward-looking strategy aligns with my belief that the energy industry must evolve to meet global sustainability goals while continuing to provide reliable and efficient solutions.

 

For a start, please explain how Expro was set up. What key business milestones mark the company’s global growth?

Andrei Ion: Expro was originally founded in 1973 in Great Yarmouth, UK. However, following its combination with Frank’s International in 2021, Expro’s history now traces back to 1938 when Franks was established as a provider of tubular running services. Expro was established with a clear focus on well testing operations in the North Sea, which was an emerging oil and gas province at the time. In its early years, Expro played a critical role in supporting the UK’s offshore energy sector, building a reputation for technical expertise and operational excellence.

A key milestone in the company’s history came in 1975 when Expro expanded its operations by opening its first premises in Aberdeen, Scotland. This expansion was pivotal in securing a major contract with Hamilton Brothers for the Argyll field, which became the UK’s first North Sea oil production site. This success established Expro as a trusted partner in offshore energy operations and set the stage for its continued growth.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Expro rapidly expanded its global footprint, diversifying its service offerings beyond well testing to include well construction, well flow management, subsea well access, and well intervention and integrity. The company also extended its reach into key energy markets in North America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, responding to the growing demand for reliable and efficient well services.

In 2021, Expro completed a strategic merger with Frank’s International, a leader in tubular running services and well construction solutions. This merger created a full-cycle energy services powerhouse, enabling Expro to offer an even more integrated range of solutions across the entire well life cycle. By combining Frank’s industry-leading tubular and casing technologies with Expro’s expertise in well intervention, well flow management, and subsea access, the newly formed entity strengthened its position as a global leader in energy services.

Continuing its strategic expansion, Expro recently announced the acquisition of Coretrax in 2024. Coretrax is known for its advanced well integrity, intervention, and production optimization solutions. This acquisition enhances Expro’s ability to deliver cutting-edge wellbore clean-up, abandonment, and remediation technologies, further solidifying its role in improving well performance and extending asset life cycles. The integration of Coretrax’s capabilities into Expro’s portfolio demonstrates the company’s commitment to continuous innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Today, Expro operates in more than 60 countries, offering a comprehensive suite of services that support customers in both conventional and renewable energy sectors. With its deep expertise, pioneering technologies, and a strong focus on safety and sustainability, Expro remains at the forefront of the evolving global energy landscape, helping clients navigate the transition to a lower-carbon future while maintaining operational excellence.

What does Expro’s products and services offering for the energy sector include?

Andrei Ion: Expro is a full-cycle energy services provider, delivering innovative, technology-driven solutions that support our clients throughout the entire well life cycle. Our comprehensive portfolio includes well construction, well flow management, subsea well access, well intervention and integrity, as well as emerging solutions for the energy transition.

Well Construction: Expro provides a range of well construction services to ensure efficient and safe well delivery. This includes:

• Tubular Running Services (TRS): Through our 2021 merger with Frank’s International, we have strengthened our TRS capabilities, offering automated, high-performance casing and completion running solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.
• Drilling Optimization: Our drilling services incorporate advanced technologies and expertise to improve operational performance, reduce risks, and lower overall project costs.
• Cementing Solutions & Casing Equipment: We offer a full suite of well construction solutions, ensuring structural integrity and zonal isolation for long-term well performance.

Well Flow Management: Ensuring the safe and efficient flow of hydrocarbons is critical to maximizing production and operational performance. Expro offers:

• Well Testing & Clean-up: Our industry-leading well testing services provide accurate and reliable data to optimize production, while our clean-up solutions ensure efficient commissioning of new wells.
• Production Optimization & Enhancement: We deploy specialized technology to boost well performance, enhance recovery, and extend the lifespan of assets.
• Early Production Facilities (EPFs): Expro delivers modular, scalable solutions that enable early hydrocarbon production while full-field infrastructure is being developed.

Subsea Well Access: Expro is a recognized global leader in subsea well access solutions, offering advanced technologies that enable safe and cost-effective interventions:

• Subsea Well Intervention Services: Our cutting-edge solutions reduce the need for costly rig-based interventions, allowing operators to optimize subsea well performance with minimal downtime.
• Light Well Intervention (LWI): We provide wireline and coiled tubing-based intervention services, helping to maintain and enhance well integrity and production.
• Riserless Well Intervention (RWI): Our proprietary RWI technologies enable safe and efficient subsea well access, significantly reducing operational costs.

Well Intervention & Integrity: Expro’s well intervention and integrity services help operators maintain well performance, extend asset life, and ensure regulatory compliance. These services include:

• Slickline & Cased Hole Logging: We provide advanced slickline and digital logging solutions to support well maintenance, integrity monitoring, and production optimization.
• Plug & Abandonment (P&A): As the industry moves toward decommissioning aging assets, Expro offers cost-effective and environmentally responsible plug and abandonment solutions.
• Wellbore Clean-up & Integrity Solutions: With the 2024 acquisition of CORETRAX, we have enhanced our ability to provide advanced wellbore clean-up, remediation, and well integrity solutions, helping clients achieve maximum asset value while reducing operational risks.

Energy Transition & Sustainable Solutions: As the world shifts towards a lower-carbon future, Expro is committed to supporting the energy transition through innovative solutions, including:

• Geothermal Energy Services: Leveraging our expertise in well construction and intervention, we are actively expanding into geothermal projects, supporting the growth of clean, renewable energy sources.
• Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): Expro is investing in CCUS technology to help operators reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sustainability.
• Emissions Reduction & Flare Management: Our advanced well flow management solutions, including zero-flaring well testing, help minimize environmental impact and comply with stringent emissions regulations.
• Decommissioning & Environmental Services: With the increasing focus on responsible asset retirement, Expro provides plug and abandonment, well integrity, and remediation services to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible well decommissioning.

A Full-Cycle Energy Partner: With operations in over 60 countries, Expro is a trusted partner to energy operators worldwide, providing customized, data-driven solutions that optimize performance, enhance safety, and drive efficiency. By combining decades of expertise with a forward-thinking approach to digitalization, automation, and sustainability, Expro remains at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape, supporting both traditional oil and gas operations and the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

Our commitment to innovation, service quality, and sustainability ensures that we continue delivering extraordinary performance that meets the industry’s changing needs while helping to shape a more responsible energy future.

What kind of specific activities is Expro carrying out in Europe and Romania?

Andrei Ion: Expro has a long-standing presence in Europe, where we provide a comprehensive suite of service across both offshore and onshore projects. Our regional footprint spans key markets, including the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, and Romania, supporting major operators with high-quality energy services and cutting-edge technologies.

In Europe, Expro has been actively involved in several high-profile oil and gas projects, strengthening our role as a trusted partner for operators in the region. Some of our key activities include:

• North Sea and Mediterranean Sea Operations: We have a strong presence, providing services to major energy companies.
• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Projects: Expro is expanding its expertise in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), supporting European operators in their efforts to decarbonize operations.
• Geothermal Energy Solutions: Leveraging our experience, we are increasingly involved in geothermal projects, particularly in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.
• Decommissioning and Well Abandonment: As part of the energy transition, we provide efficient, environmentally responsible well Plug and Abandonment (P&A) services to support offshore and onshore decommissioning efforts.

Romania is a strategic growth market for Expro, and we are strengthening our commitment to the country’s energy sector. Our latest success in the region is our involvement in the Neptun Deep gas project, Romania’s first deepwater development and the largest natural gas project in the Black Sea. One of Expro’s key priorities in Romania is developing local talent and expertise to support long-term industry growth. We strongly believe that investing in local skills and workforce development is essential to ensuring a sustainable and competitive energy sector in the country.

To support our growth in Romania, we have recently:

• Opened a new office in Bucharest, establishing a strong local presence.
• Set up an operational base in Boldesti Scaieni, enhancing service delivery in Romania and Eastern Europe.
• Launched a hiring and training program, expanding our Romanian workforce with skilled professionals.
• Committed to knowledge transfer, ensuring local teams receive training and experience from Expro’s global operations.

With decades of experience in the North Sea and other mature offshore markets, Expro is uniquely positioned to bring the best practices, technology, and operational excellence to assist the companies operating in Eastern Europe.

Our work in regions such as the UK, Norway, and the Netherlands has equipped us with world-class expertise in offshore drilling, well intervention, and subsea operations. We are now leveraging this knowledge to support operators in Romania and the broader Eastern European region, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and performance.

By combining global experience with local expertise, Expro is committed to not only supporting energy development in Romania but also building a strong, skilled workforce that can sustainably drive the industry forward for years to come.

With a long-term vision for Romania and Eastern Europe, Expro aims to:

• Further expand our operations in offshore and onshore Romania, providing tailored energy solutions.
• Support the development of future deepwater projects, leveraging our expertise in subsea well access and well intervention.
• Explore CCUS and Geothermal energy opportunities in Romania and Eastern Europe.
• Continue building strong partnerships with local and international operators to drive sustainable growth.

Expro’s operations in Europe and Romania reflect our commitment to delivering cutting-edge energy solutions, supporting the industry’s transition toward a lower-carbon future. With ongoing investments, strategic partnerships, and a focus on innovation, we are well-positioned to play a key role in the future of Romania’s and Europe’s energy sector.

 

In the context of current pressures and complex situations in the oil and gas market, the ‘new normal’ of the changing world calls for new approaches. What key changes should include, in your opinion, the sustainability strategy of an energy company in the medium and long term? What can Expro contribute in creating awareness with regard to environmental issues?

Andrei Ion: The energy sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation, driven by the increasing need for sustainability, decarbonization, and the transition towards cleaner energy sources. In response, energy companies must rethink their strategies to adapt to a world that demands not only more efficient but also more environmentally conscious operations. At Expro, we believe that sustainable practices must be woven into the fabric of our services and solutions, with a clear focus on leveraging existing technologies in both the oil and gas sector and the emerging geothermal and CCUS markets.

One of the key elements of a sustainable energy strategy must be carbon management—particularly through CCUS. The energy sector accounts for a significant portion of global emissions, and companies must urgently invest in technologies that allow for the capture and safe storage of CO2.

Expro, with its extensive expertise, is uniquely positioned to contribute to the CCUS sector. Many of our unique technologies we’ve developed and refined in the oil and gas industry are transferable to CCUS applications.

On the other side, Geothermal energy represents a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels and plays a pivotal role in the energy transition. Expro has long-standing experience in both onshore and offshore environments, and most of our existing oil and gas drilling technologies can be effectively adapted for the geothermal energy sector.

The energy sector is at a crossroads, where the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable future is paramount. By applying existing technologies developed for oil and gas, Expro is helping to accelerate the development of CCUS and geothermal energy. Our solutions not only help reduce carbon emissions but also contribute to the growth of clean energy infrastructure. As we move toward a sustainable energy future, Expro remains committed to advancing innovative, environmentally conscious solutions and driving positive change across the industry.

Power and energy experts have emphasized the potential of innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions. What kind of solutions does Expro provide pertaining to this issue?

Andrei Ion: At Expro, we are committed to driving the energy transition by offering a variety of innovative solutions designed to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable energy practices. We are integrating proven technologies from the oil and gas sector into emerging markets such as CCUS and geothermal energy.

We recognize the significant environmental impact caused by flaring gas during oil extraction. To address this, Expro provides innovative flare elimination solutions, which help companies reduce or eliminate flaring activities. We employ technologies that capture and reuse associated gas, either for power generation or as a feedstock for other industrial applications. This contributes to significant reductions in CO2 emissions while also enabling the recovery of valuable energy resources. By optimizing gas usage, we are helping the industry lower its carbon footprint.

Expro’s focus on operational efficiency has enabled us to reduce the energy consumption of our own services and those of our clients. Through smart technologies like data analytics, automation, and real-time monitoring, we optimize operations, minimizing waste and reducing the energy required for field operations. This results in lower operational emissions and helps clients achieve their carbon reduction goals more effectively.

These innovative solutions are crucial in addressing global environmental concerns and help our clients meet regulatory requirements while also improving their sustainability performance.

 

Employee attraction and retention is one of the biggest challenges of an organization currently. What would be the best solving-problem process in this situation? What defines Expro’s organizational culture and its promoted values?

Andrei Ion: At Expro, we understand that attracting and retaining top-tier talent is essential for our success in the ever-evolving energy industry. Our approach focuses on creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow both professionally and personally.

Our organizational culture at Expro is based on our core Values and Behaviours. We cultivate an environment where employees are encouraged to speak up, share ideas, and collaborate across teams and regions. This fosters a sense of belonging and ownership, which is crucial for employee engagement and retention. Our leaders prioritize an inclusive, transparent, and supportive workplace where everyone has a voice in every aspect of their work. By embracing diversity, we benefit from our global workforce with varied perspectives and create an atmosphere that allows employees to feel confident and motivated in their roles.

At Expro, we see our employees as long-term partners in our success, and we invest in their professional development through continuous learning and career advancement opportunities. We offer a wide array of training programs, leadership development initiatives, and on-the-job learning to equip our employees with the skills they need to excel in a competitive, fast-changing energy sector. Through our focus on professional growth, employees can clearly see how their roles evolve, contributing to higher levels of satisfaction and retention.

Expro strongly believes in the importance of work-life balance and strives to create a flexible work environment that accommodates the needs of our diverse workforce. Whether it’s offering flexible working hours, remote work options, or family-friendly policies, we understand that employees need a balance between their personal and professional lives to stay healthy and productive. This flexibility allows us to retain employees who value a supportive environment that prioritizes their wellbeing.

We believe in recognizing and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our employees. Whether through formal recognition programs, awards, or informal acknowledgements, we strive to show our appreciation for the contributions of each individual. Recognizing that competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining the best talent, Expro offers attractive packages that are in line with industry standards. This holistic approach ensures that employees feel secure, appreciated, and motivated to remain with the company.

Expro’s values are deeply rooted in ethical practices, sustainability, and giving back to the communities in which we operate. Our employees take pride in the company’s contributions to sustainable energy development and local economic growth, making them feel connected to a greater purpose. Engaging employees in these CSR initiatives fosters a sense of pride and long-term loyalty.

By implementing these strategies, Expro aims to attract and retain talented individuals who can thrive in an environment where their skills are developed, their contributions are valued, and their work makes a tangible impact.

 

What are the company’s strategic directions in Romania and in the region for the coming period?

Andrei Ion: Expro’s strategic direction in Romania and the surrounding region is focused on expanding our service capabilities, investing in local infrastructure, and supporting the energy transition toward low-carbon solutions.

Expro has been making significant investments in Romania, including the opening of a new office in Bucharest and the establishment of an operational base in Boldesti Scaieni. This move is part of our broader strategy to enhance our local presence and better serve clients in Romania’s growing energy sector. Our local operations will support key oil and gas projects and will provide a platform for expansion into other regional markets. Our commitment to Romania also includes building a local workforce, to support both the company and the country’s growth.

The Black Sea holds significant untapped potential for offshore oil and gas exploration, and Expro is well-positioned to support these initiatives. We are particularly focused on large-scale projects, providing cutting-edge technologies and services. These projects allow us to contribute to the development of the Black Sea as a key energy resource for Romania and the wider region.

Expro is aligning its strategies with global sustainability goals and regional energy transitions. In Romania and Eastern Europe, we are focusing on expanding our capabilities in CCS and geothermal energy. These technologies are essential to reducing carbon emissions while also providing a stable energy supply. Our efforts in the sustainable energy space are aimed at making Romania and neighboring countries more competitive in the global push for a low-carbon future.

Expro is keen to collaborate with regional and local companies to drive innovation and deliver complex projects. These partnerships enable us to tap into local expertise while bringing our global knowledge and technologies to the region. By strengthening partnerships with key players in Romania we aim to ensure that Expro plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy in Eastern Europe.

Expro’s strategy in Romania and the surrounding region is focused on building long-term, sustainable growth, while remaining at the forefront of the energy transition. By investing in infrastructure, people, and technology, we are ensuring that our services align with the evolving needs of the energy sector and contribute to a sustainable future.