The new operation centre, which is located within the state-owned base of Petroleum Technical Services (PTSC), will provide strategic support services for Aker Solutions's onshore and offshore oil and gas customers in the country.

Vung Tau, which is located 125km from Ho Chih Minh City, was chosen as the operation base of Aker Solutions as it is the petroleum center of Vietnam in which crude oil and gas exploration activities form the basis of the city's economy.

Crawford Tennant, general manager of surface products and services at Aker Solutions, said: "Vietnam represents an important market in our overall surface and subsea business. Our client base has expanded from one in 1996, when we won a contract with Petronas Carigali, to now several big players such as CLJOC, Vietsovpetro, Korea National Oil, Trouong Son and BP Vietnam."