Aker Solutions will open its new 'Well Intervention Academy,' in Stavanger, Norway. This facility will give new generations of offshore operators and engineers first hand experience in critical well intervention activities. The centre consists of an intervention tower, two test wells and state-of-the-art intervention equipment to facilitate realistic and practical testing in an environment as close to real offshore conditions as possible.

Practical and theoretical training will be offered not only to Aker Solutions staff, but also to our customers, in today's and tomorrow's well intervention techniques. There will be a wide range of courses ranging from introduction to well intervention, to highly technical courses in the operation and maintenance of complex tools and services. All theoretical and practical training includes HSE procedures and best practice reviews as an integrated part of the courses being offered.

"HSE training is a top priority for Aker Solutions and its customers. The goal is to minimise HSE incidents and provide the best opportunity to improve HSE performance and employees' judgement during critical situations", says Ole Petter Thomesen, President of Aker Well Service.

Another important feature of the Well Intervention Academy is that it will be used to test well intervention equipment that will contribute towards increased oil recovery. Aker Solutions is recognised as a world class provider of wireline tractor technology and Light Well Intervention services. This new centre will ensure that we maintain this position, both in the North Sea as well as in the international markets, continues Thomesen.

The fact that StatoilHydro has contributed with downhole completion equipment for the testwell, is a clear indication of the important role this centre will play for StatoilHydro in promoting safe and efficient operations, building competence and development of new technologies, says Kristian Sirevaag, Manager of Well Intervention in StatoilHydro.

Tags: Aker Solutions