Breakthrough subsea deal for Aker Solutions
Aker Solutions has secured an important contract to supply heating systems for the subsea
pipelines that Technip will deliver and install for the Goliat field in the Barents Sea.
Contract value is approximately NOK 80 million.
24.11.2010 + + + Direct electrical heating (DEH) of pipelines is a technique used to
avoid hydrate and wax formation in pipelines used for transport of oil between the
manifolds on the seabed to the offshore facility. Heating up the pipeline will prevent it
from becoming blocked due to hydrate formation during shut-down periods thereby minimising
the use of chemicals and optimising the shut down periods.
"The simplified explanation is that we are attaching cables to the subsea pipelines. The
oil from the wells may freeze and create a plug in the pipeline if the production stops.
The current from the cables heats the pipelines and the oil content so that it remains
viscous until production can start again," says Tove Røskaft, senior vice president for
umbilical technology, Aker Solutions.
"We have developed this system based on our market leading subsea umbilical technology,
with support from oil companies who want this product. The combination of deeper waters,
longer transportation distances and more complex reservoir conditions will drive the need
for flow assurance technologies like our DEH-system."
Aker Solutions has previously successfully installed its DEH-system at a development
offshore West Africa.
"Technip as the installation contractor already has a long track record in DEH
installations. We look forward to working with Technip on the Goliat project. We will
work hard to make it a success, which will open up new and exciting markets for this
technology," concludes Røskaft.
The DEH cables will be assembled at Aker Solutions cable and umbilical facility in Moss,
Norway. Final deliveries will be made in Q2 2013.
Aker Solutions' contract party is Aker Subsea AS.
For more information please visit www.akersolutions.com
