3/4-2004 (Issue SOGM)

Apr 6, 2004
Commentary, 3/4, 2004

These days, one often hears “the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS)” and “mature” in the same breath.

In our youth-oriented culture, “mature” is often used as a quasi-polite term for something or someone who’s past the prime, that is, old and used-up. When it comes to the NCS, perhaps the exciting days of mega-discoveries may be past, but that by no means is any indication that the NCS should be written off. A recent press release from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate claims that the shelf holds more resources and that less than half of the total has been exploited. Given that, the NCS may still be hiding a mega-discovery or two.

From the Editor: The Deep Blue Sea-Spotlight

From the Editor: The Deep Blue Sea
Apr 6, 2004
A deep look into deepwater finds that more than just templates on the sea floor. Environmental considerations and engineering management are some of the aspects covered in this issue. Discharge of drilling waste is now regulated in most areas of the world, and Statoil’s drilling research and technology division has been working rigorously to qualify new technology that aims to bring discharge rates to zero. We also have a description of how INTEC Engineering has applied its experience providing professional services for deepwater pipelines and production systems to the Simian/Sienna field in the Mediterranean Sea, north of the Nile delta, which boasts the longest subsea tie-back using large-diameter pipe.

Redeployment of North Sea FPSOs
Apr 6, 2004
The challenge for the lease contractor is to find a balanced solution for the field operator that is both economically and commercially attractive, keeping in mind the FPSO’s residual value after the first and/or second project. Particularly in marginal fields, the unit must have flexibility to be easily adapted for future operations and, as such, improve its residual value. By Ad van Loenhout.

Balmoral Pilot Gives KOP MultiBooster™ the Chance to Show Its Worth-Link

Balmoral Pilot Gives KOP MultiBooster™ the Chance to Show Its Worth
Apr 6, 2004
AkerKværner’s MultiBooster™ subsea pump is to be installed on Eni UK’s Balmoral field in a pilot project that represents an important step towards commercial application. The project will provide an opportunity for the pump to demonstrate increased production from a field in its late life. By Per E. Sørum.

INTEC Engineering Joins West Delta Deep Integrated Client Team
Apr 6, 2004
Building on the success of its contributions to the BG-operated Scarab Saffron project in the West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) concession, INTEC Engineering is providing professional services for the BG-operated Simian/Sienna and Sapphire deepwater projects for continued development of the concession offshore Egypt. By Peter M. Roberts.

INTSOK Brings Norwegian Oil and Gas “Stars” to Houston-Link

INTSOK Brings Norwegian Oil and Gas “Stars” to Houston
Apr 6, 2004
It is refreshing to see the way that INTSOK, Norwegian Oil and Gas Partners, fits in to the Houston, Texas, community. Houston is a city that prides itself on the size and impact of industries and interests. In February, it hosted the “SuperBowl” and celebrated the stars of American football. In March, the focus has shifted to the Rodeo – the world’s largest – and cowboys have become the local stars. In July, it will be baseball as the 75th Annual All-Star game will come to Houston. By Else Hafstad Terry.

The Art of Building Living Quarters
Apr 6, 2004
Kristin Living Quarters (LQ) delivered on time to Stord …
… quality workmanship and a great design …

Internet: Spam Wars – Stick a Stamp On It!
Apr 6, 2004
It’s official: Spam now accounts for more than half of all e-mails sent every day. And there is no respite in sight; analysts estimate that it will take us only three years to reach the 70 percent mark. In an environment of ever-smarter spammers and increasingly disgruntled e-mail users, ISPs and anti-spam experts are coming up with new weapons. By Erlend Gram Simonsen.

Developing Buzzard
Apr 6, 2004
Defying the view that the U.K. central North Sea was too mature for a world-class discovery, EnCana is operating the Buzzard development, the largest oil discovery in the region in nearly a decade. The field, with an estimated billion barrels of original oil in place, is being developed by EnCana and its co-ventureres, with first oil anticipated in 2006. By Paul Doble.