A ConocoPhillips request to renew safety consents for a wellhead platform and a pair of housing platforms only to 2013 appears to confirm an overhaul of Norway’s emblematic oilfield with new quarters and wellhead platforms.

Norwegian safety regulators admitted the company wants some renewla permits to 2028 and others only for five years.

A new housing platform is set to replace two reportedly subsiding units in need of better sleeping configurations. A jack-up accomodations rig from Master Marine will provide housing for 450 from 2010 to 2013.

The rerouting of water injection pipeline to “another facility” after 2012 also appears to confirm a new wellhead platform due thereafter. The holding in place of water injection and gas lift pipelines to 2028 was another request Conoco had of the Norwegian Safety Authority.

Up to four new platforms could reportedly be in the cards for Ekofisk, the original license of which runs to 2028 — some 50 years after first oil.

Officials have said yes to Conoco using all the existing field infrastructure it nees beyond original planning horizons if the company can show it's all still safe.

Scandoil.com affiliate Scandinavian Oil-Gas Magazine reported in September 2008 that should the company seek a complete redevelopment at Ekfofisk it would have to ask for Norwegian parliamentary approval. Changing out platforms will not need the approval of politicians keen on having oil companies review “electricity from shore” options in every new field application.

Tags: ConocoPhillips