Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) has issued consent to Vår Energi, Equinor, Gassco and Aker BP to undertake manned underwater operations (MUO) this year.
In order to perform MUO, Equinor has signed framework agreements with TechnipFMC and Subsea 7 Norway.
Gassco and Vår Energi will also use the framework agreements, through a pool agreement with Equinor.
Vår Energi intends to undertake the MUO at its Balder, Ringhorne, and Goliat fields.
According to the framework agreement with TechnipFMC, Equinor will use the DSV Deep Arctic, DSV Deep Explorer, and LDC Seahunter diving vessels to support its offshore operations.
Under the framework agreement with Subsea 7, operations will be carried out using the DSV Seven Falcon and DSV Seven Atlantic diving support vessels and the LDC Seven Spray light diving craft.
PSA stated: “The consents include planned operations, as well as undefined operational and project tasks that may be required during the period and that relate to the companies’ production licences and pipeline systems.
“This also includes pipelines under Norwegian jurisdiction on foreign continental shelves. The PSA is to be informed in advance should such needs arise.”
The scope of the companies’ framework agreements also includes repair readiness for subsea installations and pipelines.
A framework agreement has been signed by Aker BP with Subsea 7 for the performance of MUO.
Under this agreement, operations will be carried out using the DSV Seven Falcon and DSV Seven Atlantic diving support vessels.
Last week, Vår Energi secured approval from PSA to deploy the Island Constructor vessel for well intervention on the Balder field in the central North Sea.
