The plan for installation and operation (PIO) of the Polarled gas pipeline on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) was formally submitted to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy today, 8 January 2013.

“This represents a crucial step for the long-term development of Norway’s gas resources,” says Brian Bjordal, chief executive of pipeline operator Gassco. The project was previously known as the Norwegian Sea gas infrastructure (NSGI) scheme.

Statoil presented the PIO on behalf of the partners in the Polarled development project. It also submitted a plan for development and operation (PDO) of the Aasta Hansteen discovery.

Due to run for 480 kilometres, the pipeline will tie Aasta Hansteen in the Norwegian Sea to the Nyhamna gas processing facility in north western Norway.

A separate link with the Kristin platform will tie the new infrastructure to the existing Åsgard Transport pipeline system from the Halten Bank.

Polarled will expand the existing gas transport network on the NCS and make provision for phasing in resources available in existing and future Norwegian Sea discoveries.

Tags: Gassco