Heerema has successfully transported and installed the Hod B platform on behalf of client Aker BP. The installation was over two phases, with Sleipnir, the world’s most sustainable semi-submersible crane vessel, first installing the jacket and returning later to complete the topside.

Heerema transported both structures on Heerema’s barge H-541 over two trips from the Aker Solutions yard in Verdal, Norway. During the project’s first phase, Sleipnir installed the 3,400 metric ton jacket using an optimized lifting method. This action meant that the required lift points could be optimized, saving on fabrication costs. After that, Sleipnir returned to the field and installed the 2,100 metric ton topside using hydraulic ILTs. This installation method is safer and reduces time both on and offshore for rigging installation.

The Hod B platform is a normally unmanned installation wellhead platform in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. It is part of the Valhall complex developments and will be remotely controlled from the Valhall field center, with low CO2 emissions due to power from shore. In addition to the Hod B installation, Heerema performed a crane exchange on a platform within the Valhall complex. This additional job was completed safely and within the required time constraints to minimize the impact on production.

The safe and successful installation completes around a year of a close partnership between our client Aker BP and their fabricator the Fixed Facilities Alliance with Aker Solutions, ABB and Aker BP. CEO of Heerema, Koos-Jan van Brouwershaven, said: ‘The Hod B project is particularly special as the work was won and engineered while everyone was working from home due to the Covid-19 regulations. The team had to find creative ways to ensure this successful installation could be achieved, and we are proud of getting the work done despite these challenges.’

Sleipnir has a wide range of sustainability measures, including dual-fuel functionality allowing the vessel to run on LNG, a cleaner fuel than standard MGO. During the Hod B installation, the vessel ran on LNG, reducing carbon emissions and our impact on the planet.

Sleipnir has been busy in the North Sea this summer. With another successful and safe project completed, the vessel moves on to another transport and installation job.