Green light for Equinor to use Gullfaks C platform until 2036

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) is giving a green light to using the C platform on the Equinor-operated Gullfaks field in the North Sea until June 30, 2036. This corresponds to the entire period of the production license.

The directorate said on Monday that, in its application, Equinor noted that the facility could be operated at a profit up to 2032, with an option for further extension in connection with maturing new improved recovery (IOR) projects on Gullfaks.

The Norwegian Petroleum Directorate believes there is a need for further operation of Gullfaks C, both to recover remaining resources on Gullfaks, and as a potential host platform for other deposits in the nearby area. Among other things, Gullfaks C is key to recovering oil from the tight layers in the Shetland group and the Lista formation over Gullfaks. If the facility is operated further in a cost-effective and safe manner, there is a good potential for resource growth and extended production, the NPD said.

Gullfaks C is one of three large Condeep concrete platforms on the field with integrated process facilities, drilling facilities and living quarters. Gullfaks C also treats and exports oil and gas from Gullfaks Sør, Gimle and Visund Sør. The production from Tordis is also processed in a separate facility on the platform.

Gullfaks C was installed in May 1989 in waters that are 216 meters deep, and it started to produce on January 1, 1990. The design lifetime was 30 years.

Block 34/10 was called the “Golden Block” back in 1978 when it was awarded to Statoil, Norsk Hydro and Saga Petroleum, with Statoil as operator. The Gullfaks area has exceeded all expectations, and has created significant values for society through thirty years of production.

The current licensees on the field are Equinor, Petoro, and OMV Norge.