Inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) on 12- and 16-inch risers offshore Norway – three remote connectors installed in just 3 weeks (photo: Hydratight)

Subsea connector specialist Hydratight has completed an oil and gas industry first by supplying and supporting the subsea installation of three remote connectors in just three weeks for Statoil off the west coast of Norway.

The installation was performed by remotely operated equipment from the Pipeline Repair and Subsea Intervention Pool (PRSI Pool) managed by Statoil.

During a scheduled maintenance campaign, MORGRIP® Mechanical Connectors were deployed on two 12-inch risers and one 16-inch riser at depths over 300 metres.

The 12-inch connectors were purpose made whilst the 16-inch connector was taken from the Statoil PRSI contingency stock.

Site Integration Trials (SIT) were completed at Statoil’s PRS Base facility in Haugesund, Norway prior to the connector deployment offshore

Mark Fisher, Senior Offshore Engineer for Hydratight says, “A key success to the project was the team effort from all collaborative parties. To deliver this type of campaign in the specified timeframe is a major milestone for Hydratight. We have a long-standing relationship with Statoil which has spanned approximately 20 years so it was a proud moment to achieve this together. Ultimately it came down to excellent planning and organisation by all parties.”

Hydratight holds contingency stock for Statoil which is proven to reduce lead times and ensure timely completion of IRM projects in operational fields.

MORGRIP®’s Remote Mechanical Connectors are deployed, installed and activated using remotely operated vehicle technology. The Remote Connectors utilise a unique pipe gripping and sealing system ensuring a safe and successful install.

Tags: Hydratight, Statoil