MAN’s Subsea Compression Technology Gets Global Energy Award

MAN has won the Platts Global Energy Award 2017 for its subsea compression system solution in the “Commercial Application of the Year” category .

MAN Diesel & Turbo was recognized by S&P Global Platts for the achievement reached with the world’s first subsea compressor.

“It is a big honor to receive this important acknowledgement for MAN’s subsea compression technology. Our system solution will play a central role in making future offshore gas recovery more efficient and sustainable,” states Wayne Jones, Chief Sales Officer of MAN Diesel & Turbo. “These amazing results were only possible thanks to the expertise, innovation and commitment of MAN’s employees. I also want to thank Statoil and Aker Solutions for the great collaboration in the revolutionary Åsgard project.”

Wayne Jones and Basil Zweifel, Head of Oil & Gas Upstream at MAN Diesel & Turbo in Zurich, received the award during last week’s ceremony in New York City.

The Global Energy Awards, often described as the Oscars of the energy industry, are an important recognition for outstanding corporate and individual innovation, leadership and superior performance in 19 categories that span the entire energy complex.

This success follows the latest milestones of MAN’s subsea compression technology for Statoil’s Åsgard field: the system reached over 30’000 running hours with an availability of close to 100% and has been granted the highest Technology Readiness Level 7 according to API. It is now field-proven technology.

The 11.5 MW HOFIM™ motor-compressors were supplied to contractor Aker Solutions in 2015 and put into commercial operation the beginning of 2016. They are the first compressor systems to be in operation 300 meters below sea level. The subsea HOFIM™ features a tailored motor design, casings designed for 220 bar pressures, a 7-axes active magnetic bearing system and a special cooling gas extraction.

The units help to extend the reservoirs’ productive life on the Åsgard field for another 15 years. Overall, 306 million barrels of oil equivalent will be added. Compared to conventional upstream facilities on platforms or FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading), the subsea technology works more cost-effectively, safely and with a smaller environmental footprint.

“Our HOFIM motor-compressor units have been in operation with practically no stops or interruptions since production start,” explains Basil Zweifel. “This proves that MAN’s subsea compression system is mature and ready for even further applications in manifold industries beyond subsea gas compression.”