The Munin project, developed by energy company Aker BP and executed by engineering firm Aibel, is progressing as one of the most important milestones for offshore platform automation. Designed from scratch as an unmanned process platform (UPP), Munin is being built to operate routinely without personnel on board, setting a precedent on the Norwegian continental shelf.
Multi-million dollar contract and strategic execution
The EPChc (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, hook-up, and commissioning) contract was awarded to Aibel in December 2022, with an estimated value of 7 billion Norwegian kroner. Aibel leads the engineering, management, and procurement from its Oslo office, with a workforce that will reach 300 people at its peak. Construction is taking place at its shipyards in Haugesund and Thailand, with a view to delivering the completed platform in 2027.
Munin will lack a helipad and accommodation, highlighting its completely remote nature. It will be operated from shore and will receive maintenance assistance via service operation vessels (SOVs). Its design aims to optimize resources, reduce human risks, and minimize its environmental footprint, consolidating the path towards fully automated platforms.
Integrated Production Flow
Once in operation, Munin will export gas directly, while oil and water will be channeled via a shared pipeline to the Hugin A platform (formerly NOA PdQ), where phase separation will occur. From there, the crude oil will be sent to the Sture onshore terminal.
A commitment to the energy future
Located in the Yggdrasil area, Munin symbolizes the technological evolution of the Norwegian oil sector. The decision to operate without personnel on board not only represents an operational shift but also a clear response to current challenges in safety, efficiency, and sustainability within the energy industry.
With its scheduled delivery in 2027, the Munin project positions Norway as a pioneer in the development of fully automated energy infrastructures, consolidating the strategic collaboration between Aker BP and Aibel as an industrial benchmark in Europe.
Source and photo: Aibel