Aibel to modify Hansteen spar platform for Irpa gas tie-in

Nov. 23, 2022

Equinor has awarded Aibel a NOK1 billion (US$99 million) EPCIC contract covering the tie-in of the Irpa (ex-Asterix) gas field in the Norwegian Sea to the Aasta Hansteen spar platform.

Offshore staff

STAVANGER, Norway – Equinor has awarded Aibel a NOK1 billion (US$99 million) engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) contract covering the tie-in of the Irpa (ex-Asterix) gas field in the Norwegian Sea to the Aasta Hansteen spar platform.

The MEG module that Aibel will construct and install at Aasta Hansteen

Aibel will perform modifications and preparatory work at the platform, designed to extend its lifespan by seven years. The program will include integration work on the platform's existing processing equipment and construction and installation of a 450-metric ton monoethylene glycol module module.

At peak, the program will employ more than 200 personnel.

The company will execute management and engineering in Stavanger with support from its offices in Oslo and Singapore, it will exploit synergies with its existing maintenance and modification contract for Aasta Hansteen, led by the Harstad office.

Aibel’s yards in Haugesund and Thailand will handle prefabrication and module assembly.

Last year Equinor awarded the company the FEED contract covering detailed planning of the modifications for the new development. First offshore activities should start in February, with the project scheduled to be completed in 2026.

Irpa’s production will head through a new 80-km subsea pipeline to the Hansteen complex, then exported through the 482-km Polarled to the Nyhamna gas processing plant.

Equinor also has extended an M&M arrangement with Aibel and Aker Solutions for the Johan Sverdrup complex in the North Sea until February 2026.

11.23.2022