StatoilHydro plans 21 production shutdowns this year

Troll A is one of the facilities included in the turnaround programme. Photo: Dag Myrestrand.

A total of 21 production shutdowns are planned by StatoilHydro on the Norwegian continental shelf during 2009. This extensive work programme aims to achieve safer and more efficient facilities.

In addition to required maintenance and inspection, many installations will be upgraded to expand capacity, implement technical improvements, and extend their economic life. The turnarounds will be completed by Oct. 1, because of gas delivery commitments and weather. The first shutdown began on Statfjord B on April 2, and is a major program which will be the last on the platform in connection with work to extend the field’s production life.

Short and demanding halts are planned on Oseberg in June, with extensive upgrading and project work. That includes repairing the flare system at the field center and implementing part of the low-pressure project. Capacity upgrades are on the agenda for Snorre A, while work on Troll A includes preparations for a new gas pipeline to Kollsnes and an expansion of the living quarters.

The turnarounds will affect the following installations and plants: Oseberg, Statfjord, Gullfaks, Snorre, Troll, Kvitebjørn, Visund, Sleipner, Grane, Huldra, Veslefrikk, Brage, Heimdal, Volve, Glitne, Snøhvit, Norne, Åsgard, Kristin, Njord, Sture, and Kårstø.

Frode Garmanslund, head of the turnaround management and planning centre for the NCS at StatoilHydro. Photo: Vidar Hardeland

“A successful turnaround is one without serious incidents or lost-time injuries, and which finishes on schedule,” says Frode Garmanslund, head of the turnaround management and planning centre for the NCS at StatoilHydro.  “We have prepared thoroughly to succeed in these respects.” 

The group began April 21 a long-planned halt on Snøhvit and at Hammerfest LNG on Melkøya, which is now producing high levels of liquefied natural gas after a long running-in period.

Four seawater heat exchangers are due to be replaced during a lengthy turnaround after the summer. Until these replacements are made, production has to be halted to inspect the exchangers. One such shutdown will take place over the next two weeks.

Source: StatoilHydro.com