MAN to supply third subsea compressor for Åsgard offshore mid-Norway

March 21, 2022
Equinor has ordered another subsea compressor system from MAN Energy Solutions.

Offshore staff

AUGSBURG, Germany – Equinor has ordered another subsea compressor system from MAN Energy Solutions for the Åsgard gas field in the Norwegian Sea.

In 2016, Åsgard became the world’s first subsea gas-compression facility to start operations, at a water depth of 300 m (984 ft).

It features two MAN Subsea HOFIM motor-compressor units which have accumulated 100,000 operational hours without the need for intervention and with an availability said to be close to 100%.

In co-operation with Equinor and Aker Solutions, the existing subsea compression modules are being upgraded to achieve a higher compression ratio, in order to maintain output and enhance recovery as the gas reservoir’s pressure naturally declines.

MAN Energy Solutions will supply an additional HOFIM system with compressor frame size RB 45 and an integrated MAN motor (size M43).

To increase the pressure-ratio capability, the unit will feature a new, overhung compression stage on the opposite side of the motor.

The motor compressor is designed for continuous liquid injection (wet-gas compression). It will be developed, manufactured and tested in Zurich, Switzerland, with delivery planned for March 2023.

3/21/2022