This week, Worley Rosenberg, Aker Solutions and Aker BP marked the first steel cut for the utility module for the new platform at the Valhall field centre, PWP. The contract secures work at the yard in Stavanger for more than 1000 people and more than 50 apprentices.

“We couldn’t get a better start for 2024. This contract secures activity in Norway and in the Stavanger region. We made a very deliberate choice in picking a solid Norwegian yard to deliver the utility module, to secure jobs and expertise in the industry in Norway for the period before the foreseen wave of projects within renewables,” says Knut Sandvik, Aker BP’s SVP Projects.

In total, the Valhall PWP (production and wellhead platform) comprises three large topside modules with a total weight of more than 15,000 tonnes. Rosenberg Worley will deliver the utility module weighing 4800 tonnes. The platform topside will be assembled at Aker Solutions Stord.

“The development is proceeding according to plan. We’re actually starting the construction work here at Rosenberg Worley a month ahead of plan, thanks to good engineering work and deliveries by everyone involved”, says Aker BP Vice President Projects Rannveig Storebø.

“We’re creating significant values alongside Worley Rosenberg. Suppliers all along the Norwegian coast are building expertise and refining technology while also delivering to profitable development projects and securing jobs,” says Rannveig Storebø.

Operator Aker BP and licence partner Pandion are implementing a joint development in the Valhall area. The Valhall PWP-Fenris project (with PGNiG as licensee in the Fenris licence) is being delivered by the Fixed Facilities Alliance between Aker BP, Aker Solutions and ABB. The contract with Rosenberg Worley is awarded by Aker Solutions on behalf of the alliance.

“This is a major project for Worley Rosenberg, and the largest new-build we’ve done in 20 years”, says Jan Narvestad, Managing Director of Worley Rosenberg.

“It means we can keep a high activity level and maintain capacity and expertise both for the extension of ongoing projects, and onward to future projects within the renewable sector. More than 1000 of our employees will contribute on the Valhall PWP project, and at the same time 50-60 apprentices will earn their trade certificates here at Rosenberg. This isn’t just a vote of confidence for us, this assignment is important for the entire region,” says Jan Narvestad, at Worley Rosenberg.

“At Aker Solutions, we aim to retain and develop expertise in the industry, and we’re very pleased about the high activity level the Valhall PWP module is securing in Stavanger. The apprentices contributing in this project also helps building the future of the industry. The collaboration with Rosenberg Worley is a very good example that even competitors are able to cooperate and utilise the supplier base in the best interests of the industry in Norway,” says Sturla Magnus, Aker Solution’s executive vice president, new build.

Valhall PWP-Fenris is one of the largest development projects on the Norwegian shelf over the next few years, with total investments of around NOK 50 billion. The development comprises a new production and wellhead platform (PWP) at the Valhall field centre, and an unmanned installation (UI) at Fenris located 50 km away. Fenris will be tied into Valhall through pipelines on the seabed. Production is planned to commence in 2027.

During the construction period, the Norwegian content for Valhall PWP-Fenris is estimated at more than 65 per cent. Several hundred Norwegian suppliers will contribute to this development.

The utility module will be 55 metres tall, 32 metres wide and 54 metres long, and weigh around 4800 tonnes. When finalized it will be transported by barge to Aker Solutions’ yard at Stord for installation on the topsides prior to transport to the Valhall field in the summer of 2026.

“This development highlights the fact that Valhall will continue to deliver revenues to the broader Norwegian society for several decades to come. And is  a proof that we’re delivering on the ambition of producing two billion barrels of oil equivalents from the Valhall area over its life span,” Storebø concludes.