John Crane Signs Global Framework Agreement to Boost Seal Reliability for Major Energy Operator

John Crane, a global leader in rotating equipment solutions and part of Smiths Group plc, has signed a major Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with a leading international energy company. The long-term partnership aims to enhance equipment reliability, standardise performance across global sites and address critical challenges in seal management.

The operator had been working to shift its strategy from short-term equipment availability to long-term reliability. However, variations in sealing technologies, inconsistent service levels across regions and fragmented supplier models were creating reliability gaps and preventable downtime. To solve this, the company required a unified global approach with consistent standards, clear accountability and measurable improvements for high-criticality equipment.

John Crane proved its capability by implementing a structured Managed Reliability Programme (MRP) at one of the operator’s flagship refineries, which has since become its best-performing site for seal reliability. The programme introduced standardised reliability practices, proactive failure prevention measures and stronger lifecycle governance, delivering significant performance gains. This success led the operator’s global leadership to pursue a wider, long-term agreement, culminating in the new GFA.

Under the multi-year framework, John Crane will provide a comprehensive range of sealing technologies and lifecycle services, including pump mechanical seals, compressor dry gas seals, seal support systems, reliability programmes, field service engineering, failure analysis and training. The agreement provides the customer with a consistent reliability model across all participating sites.

Through this unified approach, the customer will benefit from:

Improved operational reliability and uptime, driven by consistent application of reliability methodologies
Proactive failure prevention, supported by structured lifecycle programmes and technical governance
Reduced complexity, through consolidation of sealing and service expertise
Stronger compliance with international standards, including API and wider industry guidance
More efficient long-term planning, enabled by harmonised service delivery and predictable technical support.

The GFA also aligns with the customer’s ambition to streamline supplier engagement and strengthen global reliability governance across its asset base. The agreement creates a pathway for expanded dry gas seal support, enhanced lifecycle optimisation and broader reliability improvements across multiple regions.

“Our customers operate some of the most complex equipment in the world, and achieving reliability at scale requires consistency, discipline and strong technical partnership,” said Philippe Lambert, Vice President, Commercial & Service at John Crane. “Through this agreement, we will support the customer in building a unified, global reliability framework that reduces operational risk, improves uptime and ensures their critical rotating equipment performs predictably and efficiently.”