Aker Solutions and MAN Diesel&Turbo agreed to work together for the construction of the world’s first full-scale subsea gas compression system at the Åsgard field in Norway. A key objective of the partnership is to develop new, cost-effective technology for high-capacity subsea compression systems. Aker Solutions will provide all the expertise in subsea processing, compression systems, controls, systems and interventions, while MAN Diesel & Turbo’s will contribute with its turbomachinery technology and gas compression expertise. The compression systems will be based on proven technology and for use at small subsea fields as well as large deposits such as Åsgard.
Compressors are used to maintain output as reservoir pressure at gas-producing fields decline. Placing them on the seabed near the wellheads boosts recovery rates, leaves a smaller environmental footprint and is safer to operate than on a platform.
Aker Solutions delivered the subsea compression system at Åsgard, which came on stream on September 17 to enable the recovery of an additional 306 million barrels of oil equivalents from the Statoil-operated field. MAN Diesel & Turbo, a sub-supplier to the project, is the first turbomachinery manufacturer to have developed a centrifugal compressor installed on the seafloor.
A map of Åsgard compression system (OffshoreEnergyToday)