Munin utility module ready for sail-away
On 31 October, Aibel and Aker BP celebrated that the Munin utility module is ready for sail-away from Thailand. The first steel was cut in November last year. Now it is just weeks before the 2900 tonnes module will set sail from Aibel’s yard in Laem Chabang towards Haugesund.
“I am extremely proud of the Munin team and their deliveries. We started construction a year ago in Thailand, after many years of planning and engineering. Shortly, the utility module will sail from Laem Chabang, as a key building block in the overall Haugesund assembly programme. This is a very important milestone for us – delivered as planned. A big thank you to everyone involved,” says Munin Project manager Håkon Helgå in Aker BP.
Representatives from executive management in both companies joined the Munin team for the celebration at yard 2 on Thursday morning. The Norwegian Embassy in Thailand and Norwegian Church Abroad were present at the ceremony.
Integrated team
The Munin topside will weigh approximately 8000 tonnes, with a size of 62 by 42 metres and a height of 35 metres. The contract is valued at NOK 7 billion for Aibel and will provide work for around 2000 people in Asker, Haugesund, Singapore and Thailand.
“This is the first greenfield project Aibel is delivering together with Aker BP. We have been collaboration closely for two years and have managed to establish an integrated one team working to deliver a unique topside for the Norwegian shelf,” says Munin Project director Erling Landsværk in Aibel.
With Yggdrasil, Aker BP and licence partners Equinor and Orlen Upstream Norway, is setting a new standard with remote-controlled operations, unmanned platforms, new technology and a data-driven organisation. Munin, which is situated in the northern part of the area, is an unmanned production platform. This installation is the first of its kind on the Norwegian shelf.
“Munin is being built without a helicopter deck, living quarters and lifeboats. Access to the platform will be carried out in campaigns through support vessels. Our priorities have been safety incorporated in the design, minimal maintenance requirements and streamlining of platform systems and functions to avoid manual operations,” explains Landsværk.
The Munin utility module is over 32 metres long, 40 metres wide and 37 metres tall. Approximately 950 people have been working to complete the module in Thailand.
Assembly on track
Aibel Thailand is delivering the utility module, stair tower, flare boom and deck sections for the Munin process module through multiple shipments to Norway. Assembly and outfitting will take place at Aibel’s yard in Haugesund.
“We started assembly of the Munin topside in the North Sea Hall in Haugesund in September. The first shipment with two process sections from Thailand arrived shortly after. We are progressing according to plan and the work has been carried out safely. Now we are really looking forward to receiving the next shipment from Thailand in Haugesund. In addition to the utility module, we will also receive almost 500 tonnes of structural sections for the process module in this shipment,” says Landsværk.
In the next year the Munin topside will rise and fill North Sea Hall to the roof.
“I witnessed Thai monks bless the steel when we did the first cut in Thailand. It is great to be present here today and see what the Munin team has achieved this last year. The delivery of the utility module is important for the integrated Yggdrasil plan. We are progressing fast forward in all delivery lines. Thousands of people in Norway and worldwide are involved. Then it is fantastic to be on site and celebrate together with some of the people behind this major development,” concludes Project director for Fixed Facilities deliveries in Yggdrasil, Peter Kupka.
Assembly of the Munin topside at Aibel’s yard in Haugesund. Two sections have been installed on the grillage so far. In addition, the third section will be lifted these days.