DeepOcean has been selected by Equinor to execute a package of subsea contracts across various fields on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The work will take place between 2027 and 2028 and includes activities at the Visund and Johan Castberg fields, as well as options for future operations at Snorre A.
The award strengthens the relationship between both companies in highly complex offshore projects and expands DeepOcean’s participation in initiatives aimed at maintaining and developing subsea infrastructure in Norway.
SIMOPRO Contract for the Visund Field
At the Visund field, located in the North Sea, DeepOcean will carry out a project under the SIMOPRO model, a modality that allows for complex marine operations while the facility continues to produce hydrocarbons.
The scope includes the replacement of one gas export riser and another for oil export. Additionally, the company will handle project management, engineering, fabrication, procurement, and offshore installation activities.
Furthermore, the contract includes topographical surveys, dredging, subsea tie-ins, and commissioning tasks necessary to complete the intervention.
According to Olaf A. Hansen, Executive Vice President for Northwest Europe at DeepOcean, the execution of these types of projects requires rigorous coordination between the operator, contractors, and suppliers to ensure safety and production continuity.
Isflak to Become the First Satellite Tie-back for Johan Castberg
Another of the awarded works corresponds to the development of the Isflak field, located approximately 8.5 kilometers from the Johan Castberg floating production, storage, and offloading unit in the Barents Sea.
The project involves the installation of a four-slot subsea template, a manifold module, flowlines, and a static umbilical that will connect the new development to existing infrastructure.
Additionally, DeepOcean will perform the preliminary surveys, subsea tie-ins, and pre-commissioning operations required before the system becomes operational.
The initiative represents the first satellite tie-back for the Johan Castberg complex and is part of Equinor’s strategy to leverage additional resources through subsea developments linked to already operational facilities.
Options for Future Activities at Snorre A
The agreement also incorporates options to recover eight risers and umbilicals that currently connect the subsea production area to the Snorre A facilities in the North Sea.
These potential activities align with the trend observed in the offshore industry to extend the useful life of existing assets through modernization projects and subsea infrastructure optimization.
According to DeepOcean, the development of marginal fields and tie-back projects require efficient technical solutions and close collaboration between operators and contractors to maintain investment profitability.
Operations Scheduled for 2027 and 2028
Work at Visund, Isflak, and Snorre A will be executed during the 2027 and 2028 offshore seasons. To this end, DeepOcean will employ specialized construction vessels from its chartered subsea fleet.
Operations will take place at depths between 300 and 400 meters, an environment that demands advanced engineering, installation, and subsea project management capabilities.
With this award, DeepOcean expands its presence on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and consolidates its position as a subsea services provider for oil and gas projects in some of Europe’s most significant offshore areas.
Source and photo: DeepOcean