Led by Gassco, the subsea procedure used newly developed equipment to tie the Tampen Link pipeline together with the Statfjord interfield pipeline system (Sips).

The 23.1-kilometre Tampen Link became operational in October 2007, and the tie-in with Sips was carried out using equipment developed by StatoilHydro with Technip Norge.

Operated remotely in 145 metres of water from the control room on a surface vessel, this job involved drilling into the Sips line while it remained gas-filled and pressurised. Intended to tie in pipeline loops connecting with Tampen Link, this procedure represents the only way of doing hot taps under water without diver assistance.

“This tie-in we’ve carried out with our partners represents an important milestone, which relieves earlier capacity restrictions in the Tampen area,” says Gassco chief executive Brian Bjordal.

Before the operation, gas from the Statfjord A and C platforms was piped via the Statpipe system to continental Europe. All gas from the field will now flow directly to St Fergus in the UK.

“That means we can free up capacity at the Kårstø processing plant for additional Norwegian Sea gas,” says Mr Bjordal. “This in turn will mean more efficient pipeline use and gas deliveries.” (25.09.2008).

Tags: Gassco