Norske Shell AS is extending its use of AGR's deep-water excavation technology and expertise on the Ormen Lange field.

Originally, a £9m (NOK84m) deal announced in February between the Aberdeen-based Excavation & Trenching arm of AGR Drilling Services and Norske Shell was to last until June 2, 2011.

Now Norske Shell has called upon AGR to provide its excavation spread for a further 48 days. This extends the contract until July 20, with further options until August 20. The extension to July 20 increases the contract value to approximately £16m (NOK141m).

AGR's ClayCutter X™ route preparation tool is being used on the project to excavate seabed highs.

Its powerful seawater jetting system will enable Shell to install the Ormen Lange Northern template, plus associated pipelines and umbilicals.

Despite the short turnaround period between the awarding of the contract in February and arrival in the field in early May, vessel mobilisation was completed safely and on schedule.

AGR's VP of Excavation & Trenching, John Sands, said, "We are delighted to receive this substantial increase in scope from Shell. The ClayCutter X™ spread has again proven its ability to add value to subsea projects. Shell's fast-track approach to the project presented a number of challenges which were met to the client's complete satisfaction."

Tags: AGR Group, Shell