Statoil Awards Concept Study for Cost Efficient Platforms to Kvaerner

Despite fears about policy uncertainties in Norway underlined in a international report from analyst IHS, local companies are trying to stave off the likely scenario of decreasing production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, playing the card of efficiency and cost reduction. 

In this framework, Statoil has awarded Kvaerner a concept study for efficient platforms. 

‘Statoil has awarded Kvaerner a concept study related to a standardised, unmanned dry tree wellhead platform for the Oseberg Future Development project. The concept is focused on minimisation of facilities, equipment and costs down to water depths of 150 meters and may be a cost effective solution compared to a conventional subsea tie-back solution,’ reads a note published by Kvaerner. 

Kvaerner said that the new platform could increase recovery and reduce development costs. According to the company, this project should be followed by other work for Statoil.  

‘This project is expected to be the first in a series of new projects from Statoil where unmanned wellhead platforms could replace a traditional subsea project solution within the applicable water depths.’

On the other hand, the report by IHS suggested that tax increases and proposals on power from shore could enhance uncertainty for companies mulling investments in Norway. 

‘The report from IHS … finds that the NCS is still competitive but will be regarded as less attractive if this kind of political decision-making continues.

Both companies investing on the NCS and international financial markets have taken note of the political changes which have occurred in Norway,’ Norsk Olie&Gass reported.