Solitaire, file image via Gazprom
On Thursday 26 March, Allseas’ pipelay vessel Solitaire commenced operations on the first stage of the Polarled pipeline project. The 482-kilometer pipeline will eventually be operated by Gassco and transport natural gas on the seafloor at water depths of up to 1265 meters from the Aasta Hansteen field in the Norwegian Sea south to Nyhamna in western Norway.
Statoil notes this 36 inch diameter, concrete coated pipeline will be the largest diameter pipeline ever installed at such water depths and will also be the first to bring Norwegian gas infrastructure across the Arctic circle.
“When the pipeline is laid, we will install an end manifold with connection points for Aasta Hansteen and any future fields. Six T-joints on the pipeline for any further connections are also a unique feature of Polarled,” says Alfred Øijord, PRO’s project manager for Polarled.
Statoil anticipates completion of the pipe-laying operation at the end of August this year with first gas flow planned for 2017.
How does the Solitaire work? The following video produced by the Smithsonian provides insight:
The Aasta Hansteen field development project is one of the largest and most complex industrial projects in Europe, and the first deepwater project in the Norwegian Sea. Read more about it HERE.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 109,810 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has confirmed competitive interest in two offshore wind areas (WEAs) off the southeast Texas coast, following an unsolicited lease request from Hecate Energy...
A 37-year-old crew member was saved after spending three harrowing days adrift at sea following alleged abuse aboard a fishing vessel. Afif Efendy, a crew member of the fishing vessel...
W&T Offshore, an independent driller operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, has asked a federal judge to block insurance companies' demands for $250 million in additional collateral for taking apart old oil infrastructure.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,810 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
