Aker Solutions signs world first subsea gas compression contract

Thursday, Dec 02, 2010

Aker Solutions has been awarded the Åsgard subsea compression system contract by Statoil. The contract value is approximately NOK 3.4 billion.

“This award signifies a quantum leap for subsea gas compression within the oil and gas industry. As one of the major subsea contracts awarded during 2010, this has been a key target for Aker Solutions. It confirms our position as the preferred partner of subsea technology, solutions and capability,” says Mads Andersen, executive vice president of Aker Solutions’ subsea business area.

When gas is produced the pressure in the reservoir decreases and the well flow may need boosting in the form of compression. In many instances, subsea compression technology is necessary to create enough pressure for the hydrocarbons to travel up the pipelines to the receiving terminal.

The subsea compression system provides improved energy efficiency and safety, and lower investment and operating costs when compared to using a traditional platform and is a concept suitable for most large subsea gas fields.

Aker Solutions’ scope of work for the subsea compression system includes a subsea compressor manifold station (SCMS), subsea compressor station (SCSt) template structure, three identical compressor trains, all electrical control systems, high voltage electrical power distribution system, topside equipment, and tooling, transport and installation equipment.

“We are extremely pleased to be chosen for this huge milestone contract with Statoil. The synergies we have developed with Statoil on the Ormen Lange gas compression pilot project have given us valuable experience which we can now transfer to this project. Over 25 years of development and long term commitment have led to this Åsgard award,” says Andersen.

Åsgard is located at Haltenbanken outside Norway in water depths varying from 240-310 metres. The Midgard and Mikkel reservoirs contain gas and condensate that are transported through long distance flowlines to the Åsgard B platform.

The project will be managed out of Aker Solutions’ headquarter in Oslo; Norway, while the equipment will be primarily manufactured at Aker Solutions’ facilities in Egersund, and Tranby, Norway, and in Aberdeen, UK. Final equipment deliveries will be made in stages with the SCMS and the SCSt template structure delivered in 2013 and the compressor trains, controls and power equipment delivered in 2014.

Contract party is Aker Solutions’ subsidiary Aker Subsea AS.

Source: Aker Solutions