Statoil Launches Testing for ‘World’s First Subsea Wet Gas Compressor Station’

Statoil is about to launch its subsea wet gas compressor station, working on the final testing at Horsøy outside Bergen. The company expects the installation and hook-up to Gullfaks C in 2015.

‘By adding 22 million extra barrels of oil equivalent from the Gullfaks South Brent reservoir the compressor will help extend the field’s productive life,’ reads a note released on Tuesday. 

The company welcomed the facility in Norway, calling it the ‘world’s first subsea wet gas compressor station.’ Statoil started investing in the project in 2008.

‘This type of subsea installation attracts a great deal of interest, and the first period after start-up will be important with a view to gaining operating experience to be drawn on by other fields that may consider using this type of technology.' 

Statoil’s operations west asset manager Steinar Konradsen said the facility is a cost-efficient solution for the offshore industry. 

‘The possibility of tying in several of the subsea templates connected to Gullfaks C to the compressor station will also be considered. This will further increase the profitability of the project.’ 

According to the company, the new technology combined with conventional low-pressure production in a later phase will increase the recovery factor for gas from Gullfaks South Brent from 63% to 73%.

TOTAL DIVESTS NORWEGIAN ASSETS

Meanwhile, Total announced its subsidiary Total E&P Norge AS has signed an agreement to sell an 8% interest in the Gina Krog field in Norway, together with its interests in the mature fields of Vilje (24.243%), Vale (24.243%) and Morvin (6%), to PGNiG Upstream International. 

‘The consideration for the transaction is $317 million, with an effective date of January 1, 2014. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Norwegian authorities,’ the company wrote on Tuesday. 

Despite the sale, the company sees a growth in production in Norway between 2014 and 2017.