Statoil, Gassco, ExxonMobil cleared for diving ops in Norway

Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority has authorized Statoil, Gassco and ExxonMobil to perform manned underwater operations in Norway for 2016. 

The services will be supplied by Technip and Subsea 7.

The consent applies to manned underwater operations down to 180 metres and covers both planned and undefined operational and project tasks, as well as emergency repairs.

The PSA will have to be informed in advance when the individual planned tasks are to start. Before potential operational and project tasks or activities linked to emergency repairs begin, the companies must provide the PSA with supplementary information about the specific activities, the safety authority said.

Statoil has applied for consent for its own activities and on behalf of Gassco. In addition, ExxonMobil has submitted its own application as a supplement to Statoil’s. The PSA has given consent to each of the companies in order “to emphasise that the individual company is responsible for ensuring that the premises of the consent are adhered to, and that the activities are prudent and comply with the regulations“.

For Statoil and Gassco the consent applies from December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016, while ExxonMobil’s applies from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, in accordance with the companies’ applications.

Statoil has signed framework agreements with the companies Technip and Subsea 7 for the provision of such services to the three companies.

Technip will be using DSV Skandi Arctic and DSV Wellservicer, and the light diving craft LDC Technip Seahunter. Subsea 7 will be using DSV Seven Falcon, DSV Seven Atlantic, DSV Seven Pelican and LDC Seven Spray.