Beneath the Waves, a New Era of Energy Innovation

Saipem and Subsea7 merge as Saipem7, aiming to dominate Europe’s subsea energy and data networks

5 Nov 2025

Innovation in Europe’s offshore sector has found a new champion. The merger of Saipem and Subsea7 into Saipem7, announced in July 2025, signals not merely the creation of a subsea giant but the birth of a new model for technological collaboration beneath Europe’s seas.

By fusing Saipem’s engineering ingenuity with Subsea7’s operational muscle, the group plans to transform how offshore power and data systems are designed, built, and maintained. On paper, Saipem7 will begin with a combined order backlog of €43 billion, annual revenues near €21 billion based on 2024 results, and projected synergies worth €300 million within three years. “We are joining forces to lead the next wave of offshore infrastructure,” said a Saipem7 spokesperson.

The opportunity is vast. Europe’s shift to renewable energy and the rapid growth of AI-driven data demand are straining existing subsea networks. New power links and fibre routes must connect wind farms, grids, and data centres across borders. Saipem7 aims to apply automation, digital twins and modular construction to speed up projects and cut costs, an industrial experiment in merging scale with smart technology.

Challenges abound. Integrating two engineering cultures, digital systems and large fleets will test management. Critics warn that consolidation could reduce supplier diversity. Yet the potential rewards outweigh the risks: unified design and data platforms could allow real-time monitoring of cable health, predictive maintenance and more efficient use of vessels and robotics.

If Saipem7 can deliver on its promise, the merger will do more than redefine Europe’s subsea industry. It will demonstrate how large-scale engineering can evolve through innovation, making the continent’s energy and digital arteries not just stronger but smarter.