Nexans Power Umbilical to Provide a Production Boost for the Vigdis North Sea Oil Field
Wednesday 8 May 2019
When Equinor’s Vigdis field in the North Sea came on stream in 1997 it was believed that it might produce 200 million barrels of oil. Over 20 years later it has already produced twice that amount, and the recoverable resources from Vigdis are now estimated at 455 million barrels of oil (boe). The key to maximizing the oil recovery from Vigdis will be a new all-electric actuated multiphase subsea boosting station powered by a Nexans state-of-the-art power umbilical.
Vigdis produces oil through the Snorre field, and OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company, has been awarded the contract to provide a boosting station that will be connected to the pipeline to enhance the capacity between Vigdis and Snorre A, helping bring the well stream from the subsea field up to the platform. The boosting station will also enable wellhead pressure to be reduced, which further increases production. It is expected that the boosting station will increase the recovery rate from Vigids from the current 45 percent to 54 percent, adding around 11 million extra boe at a highly competitive price.
The boosting station will be provided with a high voltage (HV) supply from Snorre B platform, via the Nexans power umbilical that combines electric power, control and communications functions in a single cable cross-section.
The two-year contract for the power umbilical is valued at around 10 million Euros. The complete umbilical system will be developed, manufactured and tested at Nexans Norway plant in Halden, Norway with loadout anticipated for Spring 2020 ready for installation in Summer 2020.
“ The Vigdis boosting station is a fascinating project, and one we’ve been delighted to support. Our power umbilicals will help Equinor get the most out of these wells – and we’re already hard at work to ensure the rollout satisfies their requirements and meets every planned milestone. ”
Vincent Dessale
SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FOR NEXANS SUBSEA & LAND SYSTEMS BUSINESS GROUP