After a solemn start on the construction of the main support frame (MSF) at the Thailand yard in March, the first steel for the upper process module (UPM) and the converter module (HVDC) in the P2 project was cut in Haugesund.
The traditional ceremony took place on Wednesday 15 May at the yard in Haugesund, and marks that Aibel is well underway with the industrial adventure that Johan Sverdrup has been so far.
“I would like to thank everyone who works with the Johan Sverdrup project. You are doing an incredibly important job. You create value and welfare for the entire Norwegian population, today and for a long time ahead,” said an enthusiastic Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Kjell-Børge Freiberg, who got the honor of starting the cutting machine together with Aibel's apprentice, Hannah Pettersen.
The Minister also handed over the formal approval for phase 2 of the field development to the operator Equinor.
A sound cooperation continues
Representatives from Aibel and Equinor were present at the ceremony together with several invited guests, who all celebrated the construction start for the process platform. This happens exactly one year after Aibel delivered the drilling platform for the Johan Sverdrup field.
“In working with phase 1, Aibel has confirmed that we have the necessary expertise and competitive force to deliver such a large and important project. We look forward to continuing the close cooperation and team mentality between us and Equinor, when we now face yet another busy and exciting period of time,” said President and CEO of Aibel, Mads Andersen.
When phase 2 is finished and in operation, it will increase the production from the Johan Sverdrup field from 440 000 barrels to 660 000 barrels a day.
“Aibel has a major role in the entire Sverdrup project, which is well deserved. You have earned this trust,” stated Equinor's project director for the P2 project, Trond Bokn.
Mayor of Haugesund, Arne-Christian Mohn, also participated:
“I have previously said that Aibel is the cornerstone company of Haugesund, but this is not accurate. It is in fact the cornerstone company for the entire region.”
“We have a close and integrated cooperation with Equinor, which is very positive. The project provides stability, increased knowledge and openings for new apprentices. It is great to be a part of this adventure,” concludes Stig Jessen, project director for the P2 project in Aibel.
Facts
The project has a value of NOK 10 billion and will, at most, engage around 3,500 employees. P2 includes the construction of a total of three platform modules - the MSF (main structure frame), the UPM (utility process module) and the HVDC (converter module), which will all be connected to each other upon completion.
The MSF module will be transported by sea from Thailand to Norway in February 2021. The two other modules will be built and completed at the yard in Haugesund and Spain, and are scheduled to be transported to the Johan Sverdrup field in January 2022.
Published 15 May 2019
