Equinor Gets Nod to Extend Life of Eight NCS Installations

Equinor has received the authorities’ approval for extending the life of eight installations on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) during the last three years.

The eight life extensions involve Gullfaks A, B and C (2036), Oseberg East (2031), Snorre A and B (2040), Norne (2036) and Åsgard A (2030).

Several of these installations were originally scheduled for shutdown already, or in only a few years. Instead, the extensions will give many more years of operation on the NCS.

“Field life extension is an excellent way of managing resources, as it creates high value from established fields, where we cooperate with our suppliers on safe operation and lower emissions every single day. It also creates more activity offshore, in line with our ambition of pursuing our profitable and sustainable development of the NCS,” said Arne Sigve Nylund, executive vice president for Development and Production Norway.

Equinor plans to extend the life of more than 20 NCS installations in total. The company is expected to apply for extending the life of all older and relevant installations by 2031.

Equinor has submitted applications for consent to the authorities for further operation of Vigdis, Tordis and Veslefrikk. Applications for life extension of Troll B and Heidrun Subsea are scheduled to be submitted this year.

“Safe and efficient operation of our fields also form the basis for innovation relating to carbon capture and storage, floating offshore wind farms and hydrogen,” added Nylund.