Equinor ASA has again extended the estimated start-up of the Hammerfest LNG plant on Melkoya Island in northern Norway. The plant has been closed since a Sept. 28, 2020 fire on the air intake of one of its five gas turbines (OGJ Online, Sept. 28, 2020; Oct. 2, 2020).
Citing “continuing consequences from COVID-19 and operational restrictions,” the operator has moved the anticipated start date to May 17 from Mar. 31 to allow more time to prepare the plant for safe and stable start-up and operations, it said (OGJ Online, Apr. 26, 2021).
Since the 2020 fire, more than 22,000 components have been checked, 180 km of electrical cables have been replaced.
Repairs of advanced equipment and compressors have been carried out in addition to executing a planned turnaround and ordinary maintenance.
“The latest wave of infections, combined with restrictions and narrow working areas, impacts the progress. At times, half of staff have been in quarantine and isolation,” said Thor Johan Haave, plant manager.
When operational, the plant receives and processes natural gas from Snøhvit field in the Barents Sea. The gas is conveyed in a 160 km gas pipeline, which became operational in the autumn of 2007.
