"We are incredibly proud of the Gudrun deck and the work we have done, not least when we look at the fantastic safety statistics. Aibel's execution model means that we have all chipped in to carry the load, across locations, disciplines and countries," says Jon Garborg, Project Manager for the Gudrun deck. He gave thanks to the around 7,000 people who have contributed during the three-year project period, which has spanned a total of 9 million working hours.
Celebrations in Haugesund
Several hundred people made their way to the quay to celebrate the completion and the departure from Haugesund. The towing vessels were already in position in the sea and stood ready to tow the barge to the field. The final, hectic efforts were being completed on board Gudrun.
A simple ceremony marked the completion of the Gudrun project in Haugesund. The client, Statoil, and Aibel signed the delivery documents on the quayside to symbolise the final handover. The Aibel flag was then lowered and the Statoil flag took its place.
Ståle Nordal from Statoil accepted the Gudrun deck and thanked Aibel for their excellent efforts.
"We have great respect for the job Aibel has done. They have managed the task within the given timeframe. And it is a huge positive that all planned work has been completed before Gudrun was due to leave Haugesund," Nordal said, before praising the safety statistics.
The mooring lines are loosened and the towing vessels take control of the Gudrun barge as she makes her way from the quayside.
Next stage
This Friday, the Gudrun deck is due to be lifted onto the pre-installed undercarriage. The project will then enter the "hook-up" phase, during which all systems will be connected and tested. Aibel will also participate in this phase.
In August, the living quarters will be used for the first time. Production is scheduled to start in the Gudrun field in the first quarter of 2014.
Published 17 July 2013
