Total to extend lifespan for two Norwegian fields

Oil company Total has received consent from Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) to use Skirne and Byggve fields off Norway beyond the originally planned operational life.

Skirne, including the Byggve deposit, is in the central North Sea, 20 kilometers east of Heimdal. Skirne and Byggve produce gas and condensate from Middle Jurassic sandstone in the Brent Group.

The field has been developed using two subsea templates tied back to the Heimdal platform. Water depth at the site is 120 meters. Production began in 2004.

The Equinor-operated Heimdal Gas Center, on Production Licence (PL) 036, is a hub for the processing and distribution of gas. It consists of an integrated steel platform, and a riser platform.
Gas from Heimdal is processed together with gas from the Valemon, Skirne, Atla and Vale fields. In addition, Heimdal receives gas from the Oseberg Field Center through the Oseberg Gas Transport system (OGT).

The safety watchdog said on Tuesday it has given its consent to Total to extend the operational life of Skirne and Byggve to March 2024.

The consent is based on Total’s documentation of assessments that conclude that the facility can continue to be operated prudently in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The safety authority noted that the consent for use beyond the originally planned operational life entails that, in the PSA’s opinion, the applicant has demonstrated having oversight of the technical conditions and has plans for maintenance and follow-up, such that the facilities and equipment may continue to be operated in compliance with regulatory requirements.