Remodeled Jotun FPSO set for inshore trials ahead of tow to North Sea Balder field
Tow-out has started of the Jotun FPSO from the Worley Rosenberg yard in Stavanger following a life extension/upgrades program.
The vessel will continue toward the Vår Energi-operated Balder field in the Norwegian North Sea, and it should be ready to resume production operations by mid-year.
Initially, the vessel will undergo inclination tests at the quayside before being towed to Åmøyfjorden for inshore sea trials and anchor installation activity. It will then be towed to Balder for installation for hookup to the subsea production systems connecting 14 wells, followed by final commissioning.
Vår Energi’s Balder X project involves a redevelopment of the area, extending the life of the field beyond 2045. About three to four months after the restart, production should reach a peak of 80,000 boe/d.
The company sees this project as pivotal to reaching its target of 400,000 boe/d from its various fields across the Norwegian shelf. It expects a payback time of about two years, including the Balder Phase V project, which is due to come onstream later this year. Balder VI should also be sanctioned in 2025.
Balder X is designed to develop 2P reserves of 150 MMboe, with further infill drilling, exploration and tieback developments planned, using the Jotun FPSO as an area host.
Other early phase projects under review include Ringhorne North, future Balder phases and the King discovery, targeting contingent resources totaling more than 70 MMboe.
As part of the same project, the Balder FPU, which also underwent life extension works in 2023, will be sent to shore for decommissioning. And the Balder X facilities will be included in the planned electrification of the Balder/Grane area.
