Aker Kvaerner is to deliver topsides and jacket for the process and wellhead platform, as well as a long bridge with tripod which connects to the existing Ekofisk installations. The group has again proved competitive for the turnkey delivery of a platform, and several subsidiaries will contribute in the execution.
Jacket and tripod are to be fabricated by the Aker Verdal yard near Trondheim, with engineering carried out at Aker Kvaerner Technology in Oslo.The Kvaerner Egersund yard south of Stavanger is due to build the topside and bridge. Topside engineering and procurement will be handled by Aker Offshore Partner in Stavanger.
Jacket, tripod and bridge are scheduled for delivery in 2004, with the topside due to be installed in 2005. Engineering will start at once, with a gradual build-up for fabrication work.The new contract will employ a peak of 700 people at Kvaerner Egersund, and roughly 300 at Aker Verdal.
Aker Kvaerner has specialised each of its yards to enhance the efficiency of the various components in a delivery. Its subsidiaries are also organised in a way which means that their combined expertise can be applied to turnkey deliveries and thereby boost competitiveness.The contract for the new Ekofisk platform is regarded as an important confirmation that this commitment yields results.
A model for executing turnkey contracts developed by Aker Kvaerner contributed to major savings on timetable and budget for Norway's Snorre B and Grane platform deliveries.This approach has also attracted attention internationally, and helped the Group to win the contract for Canada's White Rose platform last year.
Further information from:
Media:
Torbjørn S. Andersen, VP Corp. Communications, Aker Kvaerner, Tel: +47 92 88 55 42
Håkon Skogly, President, Kvaerner Egersund, Tel: +47 51 46 92 33
Arnstein Ansnes, President, Aker Verdal, Tel: +47 74 07 47 02
Investor Relations:
Tore Langballe, VP Investor Relations, Aker Kvaerner, Tel: +47 90 77 78 41
Background on the project
Ekofisk 2/4 M is a new process and wellhead platform due to be installed south of the existing 2/4 J facility, to which it will be connected by a tripod-supported bridge.
Intended to improve recovery of the reserves in Ekofisk, the new installation will have slots for 30 wells. These are due to be drilled by a chartered rig.
Weights (approximate):
Topside: 6 300 tonnes
Bridge: 1 300 tonnes
Jacket: 5 000 tonnes
Jacket piles: 2 000 tonnes
Tripod: 1 200 tonnes
Piles for tripod: 800 tonnes