Åsgard – Solving One of Subsea's Biggest Challenges
The system is expected to boost recovery from the Equinor-operated Norwegian Sea field by some 306 million barrels of oil equivalents.
Compressors are used to maintain output as reservoir pressure at gas-producing fields drops over time. These are typically installed on platforms above sea level but the compressor at Åsgard was placed on the seabed since the field uses subsea systems.
Putting the compressor on the seabed near the wellheads improves recovery rates and reduces capital and operating costs. Subsea compression also leaves a smaller environmental footprint and is safer to operate than a platform.
The Åsgard system consists of modules for two identical sets of compressors, pumps, scrubbers and coolers fitted together in an 1,800-metric ton steel frame.
Since 2015, our innovative all-electric subsea gas compression technology, developed with our partners ABB and MAN Energy Solutions, has run at 99% uptime. It will enable the recovery of an additional 306 million barrels of oil equivalent from the field with a significantly lower carbon footprint than a comparable topside installation. More than NOK 5 billion additional revenue was generated in the first year of operation.
New Opportunities
Aker Solutions in December 2010 was awarded the contract to deliver the system. It took five years from the project's start to first gas on September 17, 2015. A close collaboration with Equinor and Aker Solutions' suppliers was essential to ensure the successful delivery of this break-through technology.
The technology is a major milestone for the subsea industry, opening new opportunities in deeper waters, harsh environments and in areas far from shore. The Åsgard system is designed for large flow rates, built to be reliable, efficient and flexible.
Aker Solutions is continuing to improve future versions, to deliver slimmer and more cost-efficient solutions. The company and MAN Energy Solutions in October 2015 formed an exclusive alliance to develop the next generation in subsea compression systems.