Norwegian DeepOcean Completes Installation of Foundation Template Structure at Offshore Gas Field
Norwegian ocean services provider DeepOcean has successfully completed the installation of a foundation template structure (FTS) at an offshore natural gas field, known as the deepest field on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).
Norway’s Equinor secured a consortium, comprising Subsea7 and DeepOcean, in 2023 for the Irpa and Verdande field development projects in the Norwegian Sea. The scope of work for the first field included engineering, transportation, and installation of a MEG pipeline, a production riser, umbilical, subsea structures, and tie-ins.
Located in the Aasta Hansteen area at a water depth of 1,350 meters, the project involves a subsea tie-back to Aasta Hansteen. DeepOcean has now confirmed the successful installation of a nearly 400-tonne FTS at the Irpa field for the Norwegian state-owned energy giant.
The Irpa field, situated in the Vøring Basin in the Norwegian Sea, approximately 80 kilometers west of the Aasta Hansteen platform and 340 kilometers west of Bodø, was discovered in 2009.
The operation was executed by the Edda Freya, utilizing approximately 95% of the crane’s capacity for a complex single fall lift. The precise installation of the FTS within tight tolerances showcases engineering precision and operational excellence.
DeepOcean, known for providing engineering, project management, and subsea installation services, considers this installation a significant milestone in Norwegian deep waters.
“This marks a major milestone for the project, DeepOcean, and our partners – proving what can be achieved when innovation, experience, and collaboration come together offshore,” highlighted the ocean services player.
The field is estimated to hold around 20 billion standard cubic meters of recoverable gas resources, equivalent to 124 million barrels of oil equivalent or the consumption of nearly 2.4 million British households over seven years.
Equinor is actively developing multiple projects, including one in the North Sea involving Heerema Marine Contractors.
On another front, DeepOcean recently forged a partnership with Kystdesign to expand its fleet of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).