Offshore staff
OSLO -- Twenty-one production shutdowns are planned by StatoilHydro on the Norwegian continental shelf during this year. This extensive work program aims to achieve safer and more efficient facilities, the company says.
In addition to required maintenance and inspection, many installations will be upgraded to expand capacity, implement technical improvements, and extend their economic life.
The turnarounds will be completed by Oct. 1, because of gas delivery commitments and weather.
The first shutdown began on Statfjord B on April 2, and is a major program which will be the last on the platform in connection with work to extend the field's production life.
Short and demanding halts are planned on Oseberg in June, with extensive upgrading and project work. That includes repairing the flare system at the field center and implementing part of the low-pressure project.
Capacity upgrades are on the agenda for Snorre A, while work on Troll A includes preparations for a new gas pipeline to Kollsnes and an expansion of the living quarters.
The turnarounds will affect the following installations and plants: Oseberg, Statfjord, Gullfaks, Snorre, Troll, Kvitebjørn, Visund, Sleipner, Grane, Huldra, Veslefrikk, Brage, Heimdal, Volve, Glitne, Snøhvit, Norne, Åsgard, Kristin, Njord, Sture, and Kårstø.
The group today begins a long-planned halt on Snøhvit and at Hammerfest LNG on Melkøya, which is now producing high levels of liquefied natural gas after a long running-in period.
Four seawater heat exchangers are due to be replaced during a lengthy turnaround after the summer. Until these replacements are made, production has to be halted to inspect the exchangers. One such shutdown will take place over the next two weeks.
04/21/2009
