In the Statfjord A operating plans, Statoil assumed that production shutdown may take place in 2014. Therefore a consultative document describing the proposed elements of an impact analysis of platform removal is being circulated for comments.

Statfjord A is the oldest Statoil-operated platform on the Norwegian continental shelf. Ever since it came on stream in 1979 the company has extended its producing life by a number of years, while simultaneously working for an overall field recovery of more than 70 percent.

”Statfjord A currently has a dual role. We are now planning platform shutdown at the same time as we are drilling new wells from the platform aimed at improving the field’s oil recovery,” says Dag Berg, the vice president for Statfjord operations.

The consultative document now circulated to central government authorities, local authorities, and special interest groups outlines a draft programme for what to be included in an impact analysis before a final plan can be developed.

The programme will describe the plans for cessation and decommissioning, and will focus on relevant issues and impacts on the environment, natural resources, fisheries and society at large.

The deadline for feedback is 12 weeks from now. A final impact analysis will be circulated for comments at the turn of the year 2012/2013.

”We already have some activities associated with decommissioning this year. The permanent plugging of four wells that have not been on stream for several years is planned. Additionally, we plan to remove one loading buoy no longer in use,” Berg says.