Norske Shell cleared to overhaul Draugen standby measures

March 2, 2012
Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway has approved Norske Shell request to remove the dedicated standby vessel from the Draugen field in the Norwegian Sea.

Offshore staff

OSLO, Norway -- Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway has approved Norske Shell request to remove the dedicated standby vessel from the Draugen field in the Norwegian Sea.

An updated impact assessment in 2010 showed that it would be possible to satisfy requirements for emergency preparedness without the standby vessel. This assumes performance of various upgrades, including outfitting of theDraugen offshore complex with a new MOB boat with a redundant engine. 

Draugen is in a water depth of 250 m (820 ft). It was discovered in 1984 and entered production in October 1993.

In the North Sea, PSA has issued consent to BG Norge for use of subsea facilities and pipelines on theGaupe field in production license PL292, where production is due to start during March 15-20.

The location is around 240 km (149 mi) southwest of Stavanger, near the border to the UK shelf. Water depth in the area is about 85 m (279 ft).

Dong E&P Norge too has consent to use a subsea facility and pipeline on the Oselvar field, where start-up is expected on April 1.

Oselvar is southwest of Ula and northwest of Ekofisk, in PL274 and PL274CS. Water depth at the site is 72 m (236 ft).

3/2/2012