SSP rehires Floatel for Skarv FPSO

The Skarv Satellite Project (SSP) has signed a new contract to use Floatel Endurance at the Skarv field – this time for a period of six months in 2026. The floatel is expected to return to the Skarv field during spring/early summer next year.

Last year, the increased bed capacity at the field contributed to the project being able to carry out essential modification work and prepare the FPSO for the three subsea developments coordinated through the Skarv Satellite Project. When we get the floatel back in place next year, we ensure the offshore capacity we need to complete the work on the Skarv ship before production from the three fields starts in 2027, says Kristine Bergseth Gunnarshaug, project manager for the Skarv Satellite Project.

Important for Skarv

In addition to ensuring good progress on the satellite project last year, the increased bed capacity made it possible to carry out preventive maintenance on the Skarv ship. The return of the flotel to the field enables the Skarv team to plan for a wider scope of work in addition to activities directly linked to the SSP project.

– The use of flotel at Skarv is an important step for the development of the Skarv area and for the Skarv production ship to produce safely and efficiently for many years to come, says Marte Mogstad, director of Skarv.

The intake of the floatel to Skarv FPSO last year also pushed boundaries in the sense that it had never been done so far north on the shelf before.

Pushing Boundaries

Gunnarshaug emphasizes the good cooperation with Floatel International in regards to the planning and execution of last year’s campaign. Despite occasionally challenging weather and conditions, the floatel stay was very successful, with high activity levels and a total of over 23,000 guest nights during the eight months the floatel was at the field. The busiest period was during the major Turnaround (TAR), which had to be carried out simultaneously with the stop at Kårstø last autumn. During that time, over 37,000 hours of work were performed on Skarv, with a peak of 435 people on board Skarv and the floatel. The experiences from last year provide a good basis for planning activities when the floatel returns to the FPSO next year.

A new round with the floatel at Skarv also involves high activity in the Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen areas, among other things by using existing infrastructure. This is in line with Aker BP’s strategy that offshore activity should also create positive ripple effects on land.