Saudi Aramco has partnered with solutions by stc to deploy a next-generation high-performance supercomputer designed to strengthen the energy giant’s upstream computing capabilities in hydrocarbon discovery and recovery.

The initiative, part of Aramco’s broader digital transformation strategy, marks the largest computing infrastructure deployment in the company’s history. It is expected to significantly enhance seismic imaging and reservoir simulation operations.

The new system will support advanced seismic data processing and large-scale reservoir modeling, enabling Aramco to process vast amounts of geological data faster and with greater precision. According to the company, the supercomputer will provide 7 times the compute capacity currently available for its upstream operations.

Aramco said the enhanced capabilities are expected to improve the speed and accuracy of hydrocarbon discovery and recovery, maximize extraction rates from existing fields across Saudi Arabia, and extend the operational lifespan of reservoirs.

Abdul Hameed A. Al-Dughaither, Aramco Executive Vice President of EXPEC & Drilling, described the project as a major milestone in the company’s digital evolution.

“Aramco’s digital evolution is redefining what is possible for hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir management. With this next-generation supercomputer, being deployed through our strategic collaboration with solutions by stc, we aim to set a new standard in computational excellence,” he said.

He added that the project reflects Aramco’s focus on leveraging advanced technologies to unlock new reserves, optimize recovery rates, and create additional value from existing assets.

The project, valued at $372.5 million (SAR 1.4 billion), will leverage technologies from global leaders in high-performance computing to support both seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling.

solutions by stc will oversee the deployment of the infrastructure and provide software support and managed services.

Omer Alnomany, Chief Executive Officer of solutions by stc, said the collaboration reinforces the company’s role in building advanced digital infrastructure for the Kingdom’s energy sector.

“This collaboration represents a strategic step toward empowering the energy sector by leveraging the latest high-performance computing capabilities. It supports the acceleration of seismic data processing and improves the efficiency of exploration and production operations,” he said.

The system is expected to be delivered by early 2027 and is anticipated to become a key pillar of Aramco’s digital leadership ambitions in the global energy industry.

The collaboration also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push toward digital transformation and the adoption of advanced technologies across strategic sectors, including energy and industrial operations.