Wellheads for exploration wells are usually used once before they are scrapped. In 2022, Aker BP conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the feasibility of reusing these wellheads. The study revealed no deviations from industry standards, nor legal issues in conjunction with reuse.

The main reason for using new wellheads for each exploration well is to maintain a high level of safety. However, historic fatigue data showed that 14 out of 17 wellheads had “used” less than 10% of its fatigue life for the most exposed component in the wellhead system.

Aker BP has an ambition of transitioning into a more circular economy by keeping products and materials like steel in the economy for longer. This helps reduce the strain on the environment from production of raw materials.

The project will help us secure access to equipment, reduce lead time and reduce cost. Estimates suggest that lead time could potentially be cut in half. We expect to install the first reused wellhead at the seabed sometime during 2023

Aker BP uses Baker Hughes MS700 wellhead system for exploration wells.

A subsea cable. That’s how we achieved by far the largest emission reductions in 2022.

Supplying Edvard Grieg and Ivar Aasen with electricity from shore allowed us to shut down two gas-powered generators. This enabled us to reduce our CO2 emissions by as much as 200,000 tonnes per year. 

Production from Edvard Grieg requires a great deal of energy, both electricity and in the form of heat. Until now, we’ve had two large gas turbines on Edvard Grieg to make sure we had plenty of electricity and heat for our own needs, as well as electricity for our neighbours on Ivar Aasen ten kilometres away.

The two platforms were prepared for full electrification all the way back when they were on the drawing board more than ten years ago, just waiting for an area solution to be put into place on the Utsira High. Once Phase 2 of the Johan Sverdrup development was completed last year, the subsea cable could be energised, and the turbines on Edvard Grieg could be shut down for good. 

These measures meant that we could achieve a formidable decrease in emissions, practically overnight. Converted into private car terms, this equates to emissions from more than 100,000 fossil fuelled cars. 

Significant work and investments have been dedicated to achieving this effect. In addition to the cables on the seabed, a process for qualifying the technology for electric boilers was also necessary. The process facility on Edvard Grieg needs heat supplied from two large boilers. This is the first time electric boilers have been used outdoors in an offshore environment. 

He was on board the day the power was switched on, and the generators were shut down. And that last bit has a great impact on the work on board. 

 

Today, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE) awarded Aker BP a licence to connect the platforms in the Yggdrasil area to the power grid in Samnanger in Vestland County. The licence was granted pursuant to the Energy Act and the Ocean Energy Act. 

The power from shore system will provide a stable and secure power supply to the area, with low emissions, below 1 kg/CO2 per produced oil equivalent.   

The power from shore project is organised as a joint venture between Aker BP, Equinor and LOTOS Exploration & Production.  

The concept includes a new transformer station at Børdalen in Samnanger, a new 11-kilometre 145 kV powerline in Samnanger, a compensation station in Årskog in Fitjar and a 250-kilometre 145 kV sea cable from Samnanger to the Yggdrasil area in the North Sea. 

Aker BP sees it as an important social responsibility to contribute to the development of both new graduates, students and apprentices. The company therefore takes in apprentices every year and this year’s apprenticeships are now out. Being an apprentice provides an unique entry into the offshore industry. You get interesting experiences, varied skills, and become part of an inclusive working environment. Over the course of two years, the participants will complete their apprenticeship so that they can take their vocational certificate. The application deadline for this year’s apprenticeships is February 24th.

We have spoken to a handful of the apprentices who started with us in 2021, and the last one out is Elias Pedersen Jünger. He works as a logistics apprentice on the Ivar Aasen platform, 175 km from shore. Working with logistics can involve many different things. The days can consist of crane driving, receiving supply ships and being in control of all warehouses and equipment.

He thinks life as an apprentice has been very exciting and really appreciates all the people he has been working around who have welcomed him.

– I have a very good impression of Aker BP in general and all the people around me have been so kind. You slip right into the environment. It has been a whole experience in itself to experience offshore life. I didn’t think I would get to experience it, so I consider myself incredibly lucky, Elias says.

He mentions that the offshore rotation was something that takes some time to get used to and that both the work and free weeks were long. In addition, it is far from the shore and far from friends and family. In the beginning, it could be challenging to see that a lot is happening at home while you are out at work offshore. Working offshore is something that doesn’t suit everyone, but you get used to it and it got much better over time, Elias says. After almost two years in offshore rotation, he truly enjoys that way of working.

He also believes that another challenge that comes with long free periods is that you forget what you have learned from time to time.

– But then it’s important to be good at writing down what you learned while you’re out so you remember. Then it doesn’t take too long to get back into it when you get back out.

Elias will take his vocational certificate in August and the plan for the future is to continue working offshore. It can be difficult to get a permanent position offshore, but he is crossing his fingers and hoping that he can get hired, and then become a permanent employee in the long term.

– When it comes to applying for an apprenticeship at Aker BP, I would absolutely recommend that everyone do. If you see an advertised position, it would be almost too silly not to do it. You get so much out of it. All the experiences you get and all the people you meet. The whole experience in itself is worth it, he says.

The application deadline for this year’s apprenticeships is February 24th. Submit your application by using the links below.

Aker BP sees it as an important social responsibility to contribute to the development of both new graduates, students and apprentices. The company therefore takes in apprentices every year and this year’s apprenticeships are now out. Being an apprentice provides an unique entry into the offshore industry. You get interesting experiences, varied skills, and become part of an inclusive working environment. Over the course of two years, the participants will complete their apprenticeship so that they can take their vocational certificate.

Natalie Vehusheia Stensvand lives in Birkenes, northeast of Kristiansand. She works as an industrial mechanic apprentice at the Valhall field and started as an apprentice in September of 2021. She will finish in August this year after two years of apprenticeship. To be an industrial mechanics requires different tasks and skills. Some tasks can be screwing on pumps and motors in the production plant, machining, or welding. Some jobs might take a short time and are over in half an hour, while others can take several weeks. Everyday work offshore is therefore very varied.

When there are no major projects at Valhall, there are usually around 150 people on board. It is a large field with many people and a lot of things to get to know. But for Natalie, the apprenticeship at Valhall has nevertheless been a very positive experience.

– It is a large platform with many departments and many people, but everyone has been welcoming, especially within our department. We get along well, Natalie emphasizes.

At the same time, there are some challenges with working offshore. It took some time for her to get used to working in an offshore rotation, and she says that during her first time as an apprentice, she slept very little.

– It is a physically demanding profession, so it took a few months to get used to heavy work and long days with both lifting, screwing and pulling. You have to get a handle on it, but it gets easier with time when the body adjusts to it, she says.

Now she thrives in the offshore rotation. She likes intense work and therefore thinks that it fits greatly that the workdays are intense when it’s on, and then have complete time off in the meantime. Another advantage of offshore rotation is that you do not have to live very close to where you work. This means that Natalie has been able to live in Birkenes during her entire apprenticeship.

Another challenge she has experienced is that she is the only girl in her mechanical department. She says that it can be challenging at times, simply because they are different from each other. She also mentions that making mistakes and having to answer for them has been a challenge.

– I am someone who would very much like to do things right, and then it can be challenging to make mistakes. At the same time, it is an important part of the learning process and we have kind and good leaders who support us and find the root of the problem. It’s always fine to make mistakes, as long as you learn for later, says Natalie.

In addition to this, Natalie is clear that she is generally left with a very positive experience after completing her apprenticeship at Aker BP. She has also received a number of courses which give her an advantage when she goes out into the workforce after completing her apprenticeship. Among other things, she has taken a rigging course, a course in laser alignment, a valve course and a tube fitting course.

When she has gotten her certificate of apprenticeship in August, the plan is to try to get a permanent job at Aker BP, but she admits that she has to be flexible, as you can never know for sure what the situation in the company and the market will be towards the autumn. In any case, she wants to work offshore, and will work hard to get a permanent position when she has her certificate.

When asked if she would recommend taking the apprenticeship at Aker BP, she is very clear:

– If I were to choose again, I would undoubtedly have done the same, again and again and again.

The application deadline for this year’s apprenticeships is now approaching. Remember to submit your application before Friday 24 February. You can read more about the positions via the links below.

Aker BP sees it as an important social responsibility to contribute to the development of both new graduates, students and apprentices. The company therefore takes in apprentices every year and this year’s apprenticeships are now out. Being an apprentice provides an unique entry into the offshore industry. You get interesting experiences, varied skills, and become part of an inclusive working environment. Over the course of two years, the participants will complete their apprenticeship so that they can take their vocational certificate.

Peder Lefdal started as an automation apprentice at Alvheim FPSO for Aker BP in September 2021. FPSO means Floating Production Storage and Offloading, a production ship in short. The ship both produces, processes and stores oil and gas.

Peder has worked as an automation/instrument apprentice. During his apprenticeship at Aker BP, he has been part of the maintenance group at Alvheim. There, he has been involved in daily operations in the form of supervision and maintenance of the installation’s automated systems. It involves troubleshooting, EX work (EX equipment is equipment with explosion protection), work on gas turbines, telecommunications and fire and gas systems. He says that everyday life in the maintenance group can look very different from day to day.

– A normal day at work can be very hectic, we have a maintenance programme, which can includes checking that equipment is working as it should. If a fault occurs on other equipment in operation, which is part of our system and has a high priority, we must prioritize this over the planned. With a lot of different work, good colleagues and nice tasks, the days go by quickly.

Peder says that he has enjoyed his time as an apprentice at Alvheim, and that he has been well looked after by the staff around him. As an apprentice, you are also assigned their own supervisor who has primary responsibility for you and who follows you up thoroughly throughout the apprenticeship. Such close follow-up is important.

– As an apprentice at Aker BP, you get to experience a great deal and the days are never the same. There is always something new, exciting, educational and always something happening. I would recommend everyone who has taken a vocational course to apply for an apprenticeship at Aker BP, and especially in the automation subject at Alvheim. Here you get good training and follow-up by skilled and experienced professionals in their own area of expertise, but also just as helpful across other areas, says Peder.

Peder finished his apprenticeship with us in February, and passed his professional test at the end of January. He is now a certified automatic technician and will be temporarily employed in Alvheim for the next 6 months. After that, he hopes to get a permanent job at Aker BP, and to either continue working at Alvheim, or to test other installations.

You can read more about our apprentice positions and submit an application under:

Aker BP sees it as an important social responsibility to contribute to the development of both new graduates, students and apprentices. The company therefore takes in apprentices every year and this year’s apprenticeships are now out. Being an apprentice provides an unique entry into the offshore industry. You get interesting experiences, varied skills, and become part of an inclusive working environment. Over the course of two years, the participants will complete their apprenticeship so that they can take their vocational certificate.

Thea Uglum Håland started as an apprentice at Aker BP in the autumn of 2021, and works now with logistics at the Valhall field. Thea finishes her apprenticeship in August. The workday of a logistics apprentice rarely looks the same. The duties may include helping on deck, packing containers, contributing to lifting operations, planning and executing when supplies are received from supply ships, ordering goods and clearing warehouses. This is in addition to other ongoing work. Everyday life is varied, but there is always enough to do.

Thea has also acquired additional skills through various courses. Deck competence enables her to contribute with lifting operations, and helideck competence enables her to contribute when helicopters arrive. This makes everyday life even more varied, while also increasing her experience.

– I appreciate that Aker BP wanted to give me the extra skills, it is beneficial both for them and me when I leave after the apprenticeship, says Thea.

She feels that the best thing about being an apprentice is that you get the opportunity to try and fail, and to learn from your mistakes. There is great openness about asking questions, and you’re thoroughly followed up. It also didn’t take long to get into the department she was going to work in, and she feels that they have become a kind of family no. 2.

– It’s a bit of the charm of working offshore, that you get to know your closest colleagues so well that in some ways you become one big family, where you adapt and care for each other, she adds.

One challenge Thea mentions about working offshore is that things often take a little longer than you would like. This is often because there are strict rules and security measures offshore. This generally applies to work offshore, and it can be frustrating, but it is also important that the regulations are in place and work as they should.

Another challenge has been that the curriculum for apprentices is usually based on work on land, and that you cannot complete everything while you are offshore. But this has been solved by setting aside time during the apprenticeship to carry out the relevant tasks on land.

Aker BP is now recruiting new apprentices starting in September 2023, and Thea is clear in her recommendation:

– I would certainly recommend others to apply for an apprenticeship at Aker BP. I think Aker BP is a very good company to be an apprentice in. You are seen, you are well received by everyone – especially offshore – and there are many good people with a lot of knowledge that they are more than willing to share, she says.

When Thea finishes her apprenticeship in August, the plan is to apply offshore for a similar position as she has today.

– However, you never quite know what the market will be like in the autumn, but the goal is to continue working offshore. It will be exciting to see, she says.

You can read more about the apprenticeship positions below. Remember to apply by the 24th of February 2023.

Aker BP sees it as an important social responsibility to contribute to the development of both new graduates, students and apprentices. The company therefore takes in apprentices every year and this year’s apprenticeships are now out. Being an apprentice provides an unique entry into the offshore industry. You get interesting experiences, varied skills, and become part of an inclusive working environment. Over the course of two years, the participants will complete their apprenticeship so that they can take their vocational certificate.

Thomas Bakker started as a process technician-apprentice at Aker BP in the autumn of 2021 and now works in an offshore rotation on the Ivar Aasen platform in the North Sea. He will finish his apprenticeship in September, but time seems to have flown by since he started.

As a process technician, you often have responsibility for a certain area out in the facility. The tasks may involve clearing equipment that others will work on, maintaining equipment, as well as having overall control over the work that is done in the area you are responsible for. As an apprentice, you also move around a bit to see how different types of work are carried out and followed up. In addition, Thomas has also gained insight into how other departments work, such as mechanics, automation technicians and electricians. It builds a broader understanding, which always comes in handy.

He feels that he has worked in a very good working environment which has facilitated learning. He was told early on that there are no stupid questions, and that it will be expected that you ask if you have questions. It also didn’t take long before he felt like an integrated part of the group at Ivar Aasen.

At the same time, he mentions that it took some time to get used to the offshore rotation itself.

– It is a rather unusual way of working, and it takes some time to get used to it. It is important to find something to do when you are at home. I work on the theoretical stuff when I’m at home, and then I can try it out in practice when I’m out. It’s important to keep your mind active while you’re at home, especially now during the apprenticeship-period, he says.

Thomas believes there are several reasons why you should apply for an apprenticeship at Aker BP if you get the opportunity.

– It is a very inclusive environment with a lot of clever minds, who are good at including me in processes and experiences that can be useful for me to take part in. It is also a very open environment, and they appreciate bringing in a new set of eyes that may be able to contribute with new perspectives and points of view. That is very important.

This year, Aker BP is advertising apprenticeships in the process-, mechanics- and automation fields. You can read more about the positions via the links below. The application deadline is 24 February.

TechnipFMC is awarded a contract for three field developments at the Utsira High in the North Sea. The contract comprises engineering, procurement, construction and installation of subsea production systems, controls, pipelines, and umbilicals. The three fields will be tied back to the Edvard Grieg and Ivar Aasen production platforms.

The team from TecnipFMC has for the past two years been conducting the FEED phase for the Symra, Solveig phase 2 and Troldhaugen projects. So, we’re delighted to be able to continue the good cooperation through the construction and installation phase, said Stine Kongshaug McIntosh, VP Projects Execution for Edvard Grieg and Ivar Aasen in Aker BP.

The three developments will be bundled into one joint project in the execution phase, named Utsira High Project. Utsira High Project will develop recoverable resources of 124 million barrels oil equivalent. Drilling will commence in third quarter 2025, while production start-up is scheduled for first quarter 2026 for Solveig and Troldhaugen, and first quarter 2027 for Symra.

Solveig Phase 2 and Troldhaugen will be tied back to Edvard Grieg, while Symra will be tied back to Ivar Aasen for a partial processing before final processing at the Edvard Grieg platform.

Edvard Grieg was designed and built as a field centre with the capacity to be a host platform for new fields in the vicinity. Edvard Grieg is also the host platform for the Solveig field (phase 1) and for test production from the Troldhaugen discovery. The Ivar Aasen field was a coordinated development with the Edvard Grieg field. Oil and gas from Ivar Aasen are transported to the Edvard Grieg platform for final processing.

All producing fields on the Utsira High will be operated with electrical power from shore. Hence the CO2 emissions from the production phase will be very low.

Significant ripple effects

It is expected that more than 60 per cent of value creation from the Utsira High Project will be in Norway, and secure around 10.000 FTE’s.

-This represents a relative high share of domestic content for a development project on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, said Stine Kongshaug McIntosh.

Fabrication and testing will take place in Bergen, Stavanger, Kongsberg, Horten and Orkanger, among other locations. Engineering work will be performed out of Lysaker and Kongsberg.

Production licenses and partnerships

Symra – PL 167, 167B, 167C:
Aker BP 50 percent (operator), Equinor 30 percent, Sval Energi 20 percent

Solveig Phase 2 – PL 359:
Aker BP 65 percent (operator), OMV 20 percent, Wintershall Dea 15 percent

Troldhaugen – PL 338C:
Aker BP 80 percent (operator), OMV 20 percent

Aker BP sees it as an important social responsibility to contribute to the development of both new graduates, students and apprentices. The company therefore takes in apprentices every year and this year’s apprenticeships are out now.

Being an apprentice provides a unique entry into the offshore industry. You get interesting experiences, varied skills, and become part of an inclusive working environment. Over the course of two years, the participants will complete their apprenticeship so that they can take their vocational certificate.

To show what life as an apprentice is like at Aker BP, we have spoken to some of those who started as apprentices in the autumn of 2021. First up is Ida Pettersen. Ida is an apprentice in the electrical apprentice and works on the Ivar Aasen platform. Her daily tasks consist of operating and maintaining the electrical system, and ensuring that EX integrity is maintained at all times. EX equipment is electrical components that are designed in such a way that flammable gas that may be in the vicinity cannot be ignited.

The apprenticeship mainly takes place in offshore rotation, with two weeks out and four weeks off. Ida says that she has enjoyed the rotation, but says that the only challenge has been that the free period can become a bit too long.

– I feel that it can be a bit too long with four weeks off. But I think this has been solved in a good way by either studying on my own or by being given assignments. As of right now, I am working on preparing for the VG3 exam, which you have to take in order to take the certificate of completed apprenticeship. It can be an advantage to find some ways to stay » academically warm» during the weeks off, she adds.

She says that the best thing about being an apprentice has been that everyone has been very interested in teaching her what they know. The threshold has been low for asking questions, and she has gotten good explanations of what she was wondering about. They also take the time to go out into the facility to show and explain if it is necessary, which is greatly appreciated.

Ida will finish her apprenticeship in a year, but says she would like to continue as an electrician offshore if the opportunity presents itself. She has enjoyed herself at Ivar Aasen, but says that she is also open to working on other installations.

– I highly recommend others to apply for an apprenticeship at Aker BP. You get to know the people you work with very well, and you are well taken care of. Aker BP is a relatively young company where a lot is happening all the time. It is also a company that is constantly growing, which also means that a lot of exciting things happen, Ida says.

Right now, Aker BP is advertising new apprenticeships starting in September this year. Read more below and apply before 24 February 2023.