Sleipnir picks up Snorre Expansion module from Aibel

The world’s largest crane vessel has successfully lifted a newly constructed module for Equinor’s Snorre A platform at service company Aibel’s yard in Haugesund, Norway, Aibel reported on the 6^th April.

On the 4^th April Heerema Marine Contractors’ Sleipnir vessel – measuring 722 feet (220 metres) long and 335 feet (102 metres wide) –lifted the approximately 600-tonne Riser Hang Off module that Aibel constructed for Equinor’s Snorre Expansion Project (SEP), Aibel noted in a written statement.

“It was impressive to see how the module suddenly became very small compared to Sleipnir,” commented Tone Dalum, Aibel’s SEP project manager.

“At the same time, it was very satisfying to complete a well-executed lift and secure another important milestone for the project during this special time. There are many who have worked hard and long to achieve this and who deserve great praise for their efforts.”

According to Aibel, Riser Hang Off module prefabrication started in January 2019 and assembly of the sections began last July. Over the next six months, the company assembled, equipped and completed the module and achieved mechanical completion on the 1^st February of this year, Aibel added.

The SEP will increase recovery from the Snorre field by nearly 200 million barrels and extend the life of the field past 2040, Equinor states on its website. The firm points out the project comprises a comprehensive subsea development, upgrading Snorre A and increasing gas injection and gas import for injection.

On the 6^th April Aibel stated the module is awaiting an optimal weather window so that it can be transported and installed offshore on the Snorre A platform. The module will connect the risers which will receive oil from the new wells on the Snorre field up to the platform, the company noted.

Production at Snorre A is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2021, the firm added.

Source: Rigzone