Aker builds subsea pilot for Hydro

Norwegian oil company Hydro has awarded Aker Kvaerner a contract with a total value of up to NOK 850 million (£75 million) for the Subsea Compression Pilot at Ormen Lange.

The aim of the project is to evaluate whether a subsea compression station, submerged approximately 900 metres below the sea, is a viable alternative to an offshore platform. Later in the production phase, the project will attempt to boost the well stream in order to maintain production of gas and condensate from the reservoir.

The pilot is identical to one of four trains on the proposed full-scale subsea compression station. The contract includes an option for the partners to choose Aker Kvaerner to deliver the complete subsea compression station, a decision expected late in 2011.

Subject to the partners' final approval, Aker Kvaerner's scope of work comprises concept development, engineering, procurement, construction and qualification of the subsea compression station pilot. The objective of the pilot project for Ormen Lange subsea compression is to perform a controlled endurance test from 2009 to 2011 at Nyhamna onshore terminal.

The engineering phase starts immediately, initially at Aker Kvaerner's office in Oslo, Norway. The compact and modularised pilot will be constructed and assembled in Norway at Aker Kvaerner's Egersund yard and will be ready for installation in January 2009. A purpose-built test pit for the compression pilot is being prepared at Nyhamna.