Exciting operations at Draugen

Through the Infill Drilling project, Aibel is coordinating the hook-up of new wells at Draugen. This summer, two new umbilicals were successfully pulled in to the platform.

Draugen
Photo: Woldcam/Shell.

New wells contribute to increased production at Draugen. This summer, two new umbilicals were pulled in from wells G2 and G3 into the platform's shaft. Aibel assisted Shell throughout the operation and was responsible for a number of preparatory activities.

"The operation was a great success. In order to exploit a good weather window, the procedure was pushed forward by six days. That made the preparation phase extra busy," says Paul A. Fitzgerald.

He's the project manager for Draugen Infill Drilling in Aibel, a project that is responsible for the hook-up of four new wells at Draugen. The preparation phase included several critical activities, such as overhauling and installation of winches and other equipment in the platform's shaft. The pull-in operation was executed by the company Ocean Installer.

Subsea pump

So far, two new wells have been put into operation. Still remaining is the commissioning of wells G2 and G3, and the hook-up of a new subsea pump that will boost production from both new and existing wells. An umbilical from the subsea pump will also be pulled in to the platform, but this operation won't take place until next year.

"In addition, a pump control module (PCM) of 220 tons will be hoisted onto the platform. This winter we will be hard at work preparing for the installation. As soon as the new module is in place, Aibel will proceed with hook-up activities and make sure the new module is integrated with the other systems at the platform," explains Fitzgerald.

Gruppebilde infilll Drilling 3
The Draugen onshore team in Stavanger. Photo: Aibel.

Top priority

The Infill Drilling project started at Aibel's office in Oslo. In spring 2015, it was moved to Aibel's headquarters in Stavanger. The project has the highest priority and the organisation is working determinedly to secure all deliveries.

"We now have a manning of approx. 80 onshore employees who are working to complete the engineering of the final building blocks and remaining work packages. The main part of the engineering will be done by Christmas," the project manager says.

Offshore the project has a steady workforce of 20 – 30 employees. In connection with the hook up job, the team will also replace a number of pump packages.

"To make sure everything works as intended, all equipment has been tested. In addition, we perform an extra verification offshore. This is demanding work, requiring a lot of focus and deep technical understanding," says Fitzgerald.

Paul A Fitzgerald
Project Manager Paul A. Fitzgerald. Photo: Anne Lise Norheim.