Equinor ASA has completed installation of a 283-km, 36-in. OD crude oil pipeline connecting its Johan Sverdrup development in the North Sea to the Mongstad oil terminal outside Bergen, Norway. Johan Sverdrup is on the Norwegian continental shelf about 140 km west of Stavanger in 115 m of water. The crude line’s deepest point is 537 m.
The company described the pipeline, consisting of 23,000 joints, as Norway’s largest and longest oil pipeline. It will carry 660,000 b/d once Johan Sverdrup reaches peak production in 2022 (OGJ Online, Aug. 27, 2018). First-phase production from the field of 440,000 b/d is planned for late 2019.
Equinor estimates Johan Sverdrup holds 2.2-3.2 billion boe.
Saipem’s Castorone began pipelay operations at Mongstad in late April. The pipeline was laid through Fensfjord before the vessel set course for Johan Sverdrup.
With the oil pipeline installed, Saipem Castorone is preparing to lay the 156-km, 18-in. OD natural gas pipeline extending from Johan Sverdrup to the Statpipe pipeline, shipping gas from the field to Karsto. Installation of the gas line is expected to be completed by yearend.
Equinor operates the field with a 40.0267% share. Partners include Lundin Norway 22.6%, Petoro 17.36%, AkerBP 11.5733%, and Total SA 8.44%.
