Maersk Drilling has picked Aker Solutions for modification work on a production module on the Maersk Inspirer jackup rig so that it can be used on Repsol's Yme field offshore Norway.
Repsol is looking to redevlop the field, after removing an existing platform facility, which had structural issues, from the field earlier this year.
Last month, Repsol awarded a contract to Maersk Drilling for use of the combined drilling and production jackup Mærsk Inspirer for five years, with a five-year extension. It will drill on and produce from the Yme field. Operations are due to start in Q4 2019.
Kvaerner was awarded a contract with Repsol Norge for the construction of a permanent caisson support structure for the Yme New Development project.
The Yme field was discovered in 1987 and produced about 50MMbbl from 1996 to 2001, when low oil prices led to its closure by operator Statoil.
An earlier attempt to develop the Norwegian North Sea field, led by Talisman, was hit by issues with the substructure of a mobild offshore production unit (MOPU), which had been installed in the field. A decision to scrap the MOPU platform was made in March 2013, and the structure removed last year in Allseas' maiden offshore lift for the Pioneering Spirit heavy lift vessel.
"We look forward to working with Maersk Drilling to ensure a successful and cost-efficient modification of the jack-up rig, which will be used in the new development of the Yme field," said Executive Vice President Knut Sandvik, who heads Aker Solutions' projects delivery center. "This plays to the strengths of our operations in Norway and our expertise in complex modifications."
Aker Solution's work on the project is set to start immediately and conclude at the end of 2019. Engineering and procurement will take place at Aker Solutions' office in Stavanger, Norway. Construction will be carried out at the company's fabrication facility in Egersund.
The production module was originally built in 2007. Mærsk Inspirer has had 10 years of successful operations for Statoil on the Volve field. Following the modifications work on the module, Mærsk Inspirer will operate for 5-10 years at the Yme field for Repsol.
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