Aker Kvaerner “world first” in subsea compression

Oslo – Hydro has selected Aker Kvaerner to supply the “world’s first” subsea compression pilot, under a contract with a potential value of NOK850 million (£74 million). The pilot unit will be evaluated as an alternative to an offshore platform for boosting the well stream and maintaining production from the Ormen Lange gas field, Aker Kvaerner said 10 July.

Ormen Lange project partners will determine the viability of using the full-scale pilot at 860 metres water depth at the gas field, located 120 km west-northwest of Kristiansund, Norway, said a Hydro statement.

The pilot, which will be constructed at Aker Kvaerner's Egersund yard in Norway, is to be ready for installation in January 2009. After delivery, the pilot will be tested for two years at the Ormen Lange gas treatment facility at Nyhamna to qualify the subsea compression technology for commercial use.

If successful, the pilot will be one of four trains employed on a proposed full-scale compression station. A decision on the delivery of the complete station is expected by late 2011, according to Hydro.

Aker Kvaerner is currently constructing the onshore process facility for Ormen Lange at Nyhamna, Norway, with nearly 5000 people working in rotation, according to Raymond Carlsen, executive vice president of Aker Kvaerner.

“By combining our subsea gas compression know-how with the extensive knowledge of the process facility at Nyhamna and our proven track record for executing projects, we are confident in the success of the pilot,” said Carlsen.