Norway: GDF SUEZ Supports Subsea Education in Florø

Plans to establish a bachelor study in underwater technology engineering in Florø from the autumn of 2013 have taken a big step closer to realization. Statoil has decided to contribute 2 million NOK, GDF SUEZ 1 million and the INC group gives 1 million NOK.

Also BG Norge is prepared to contribute 100,000 NOK to the pilot project and 500,000 NOK to the main project.

– Ever since the start when GDF SUEZ was established in Florø, we have focused on contributing to the Flora community, both in terms of the specific implications of the long-term activity on the Gjøa field, and contributions to society. Our support to subsea education in Florø confirms this commitment, says Atle Sonesen, Managing Director of GDF SUEZ E&P Norge AS.

– With contributions from Statoil and GDF SUEZ we are well on our way regarding the financial aspects of the project. We are also about to reach the targets for the other factors that must be in place before a final decision on the start-up can be made, such as localization, internships and educators, comments subsea project manager, Kristin Maurstad.

It is already known that Sparebanken Sogn og Fjordane/Sparebankstiftinga will contribute with 2 million NOK and UTF (Underwater Technology Foundation) with 450 000 NOK.

Background

Folkeuniversitetet Vestlandet and Fram Flora are collaborating on a project to create a subsea bachelor degree progamme in Florø, entitled “Underwater Technology – operation and maintenance.” The goal is that the first 30 students will start up in August 2013. The study programme will be adapted to planning, installation, operation and maintenance of subsea production systems for oil and gas. Høgskolen i Bergen will act as subject coordinator for the programme, which will be run by Folkeuniversitetet Vestlandet.

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Press Release, October 12, 2012