John Crane, a global leader in rotating equipment solutions and part of Smiths Group plc, has entered into a multi-year Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with a major international energy operator. The long-term collaboration is designed to strengthen equipment reliability, standardise sealing performance across sites and tackle critical operational challenges related to seal technology. 
The energy company had been transitioning its strategy from focusing on short-term equipment availability to long-term reliability. However, inconsistencies in sealing technologies, uneven service quality across regions, and a fragmented supplier base were affecting uptime and creating reliability gaps. To overcome these issues, the operator sought a unified global solution with consistent standards, clearer accountability and measurable performance improvements. 
John Crane first demonstrated its capability through a structured Managed Reliability Programme (MRP) implemented at one of the operator’s flagship refineries. The programme introduced consistent reliability practices, proactive failure prevention and stronger lifecycle governance. These improvements helped transform the facility into the operator’s best-performing site in terms of seal reliability, prompting the move toward a broader framework agreement. 
Under the new agreement, John Crane will supply an extensive suite of sealing technologies and lifecycle services. These include pump mechanical seals, compressor dry gas seals, seal support systems, reliability programmes, field service engineering, failure analysis and specialised training. The partnership is structured to deliver a harmonised reliability model across the operator’s global asset base. 
By adopting this unified approach, the energy company is expected to see improved operational uptime, proactive failure prevention, and reduced complexity in seal management. The framework will also support better compliance with international standards, such as API, and enable more efficient long-term planning through consistent service delivery and dependable technical support. 
Philippe Lambert, Vice President of Commercial & Service at John Crane, highlighted the importance of a consistent global strategy for reliability, saying the agreement will help the operator reduce operational risk, increase uptime and ensure predictable performance from its critical rotating equipment.