Draugen Platform Gets New LQs and Lifeboat Frame

The Draugen platform in the Norwegian Sea had new living quarters and a new lifeboat frame installed this weekend.

“A great feeling. Everything has gone according to plan in connection with the hoisting, and the first major modification project we have undertaken for Shell has reached an important milestone,” Trond Aunan says. He is Aibel’s project manager.

Around 180 Aibel associates have worked offshore for the past week in order to prepare for the hoists.

44 new cabins

The lifeboat frame, weighing 147 tons, was hoisted into place on Friday afternoon. On Saturday at 14.45, a new, extra living quarter landed on Draugen. It weighs 453 tons and has 44 cabins. This expands the platform’s cabin capacity by 60 per cent.

“The major lifting activity is finished​​, but we still have work left. The next major milestone is to get Draugen operational again. That has to happen before the floatel Regalia leaves the field later this autumn,” says Aunan.

Extended life service

In the winter of 2012 Aibel entered into a framework agreement with A/S Norske Shell for modifications to the Draugen platform. The framework agreement lasts for six years, with options of two plus two years. It comprises a portfolio of various projects, including the Draugen Topsides Campaign which will provide the platform with expanded accommodation facilities and new lifeboats.

“When Draugen was put into production in 1993, the goal was to produce oil for 20 years. However, the plan now is that upgrades will extend the service life of the platform considerably. Expanding the cabin capacity is particularly important in light of the planned modification projects ahead,” explains Kjetil Sævareid. He is Aibel’s project director for the Draugen framework agreement.

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Press Release, October 07, 2013