Ocean Installer Secures Major Contract for Mikkel Field
Marine construction contractor Ocean Installer, a subsidiary of Moreld, has landed a significant contract for a life extension project at Equinor’s Mikkel field. This EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation) project will involve detailed design work, fabrication, and installation of rigid spools, along with the installation of a flow condition unit. Offshore operations are scheduled to commence in 2027, marking a pivotal development in enhancing production capabilities in the North Sea.
Innovative Solutions for Enhanced Production
The Mikkel field project is designed to optimize existing infrastructure by utilizing surplus materials from previous projects. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes the environmental impact and shortens lead times for the project. The new rigid spools will play a crucial role in the field’s operations, which is already connected to the Åsgård subsea compression system located in the Norwegian Sea.
One of the key components of this project is the installation of a flow condition unit. This unit is essential for managing liquid surges that occur alongside gas flow. It effectively dampens these surges and regulates the liquid’s return to the gas flow stream at a stable rate, aligning with the liquid handling capacity of the Åsgård subsea compression station. This technology is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of gas production from the Mikkel field.
While the exact value of the contract remains undisclosed, it is anticipated to fall within the range of NOK 100 million ($9.85 million) to NOK 500 million ($49 million). Kevin Murphy, CEO of Ocean Installer, expressed optimism about the future of similar projects in the North Sea, emphasizing the importance of maximizing production from existing facilities. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such initiatives will play a vital role in sustaining operations and meeting growing demands.
