INTERVIEW: ROGER D. WILSON

NEW ROLES WITH KONGSBERG PRODUCTS

What were the greatest challenges facing the Alvheim project?

The challenge was in recognising the potential of a group of small prospects on the Norwegian Continental Shelf which, if found to have recoverable oil or gas reserves, would collectively support commercial development. The different licenses were brought under the ownership of a single partnership comprised of Marathon Petroleum Company Norway (65 per cent), ConocoPhillipsNorge (20 per cent) and Lundin Norway AS (15 per cent). Exploration wells were drilled and sufficient recoverable reserves were identified to allow the project to be developed. It is a real success story.

How has KONGSBERG helped?

KONGSBERG has provided the control system for the multipurpose vessel Odin, originally designed and purchased for conversion into a drilling ship (FPSO vessel). The challenge was to take the already complex safety and control system and ensure compliance with the requirements for the additional equipment needed to convert the Odin to the FPSO Alvheim. The onboard processing facilities are now capable of producing 120 000 barrels per day (bpd) from multiple wells and of exporting gas through a new pipeline tied in to an existing pipeline to the UK. KONGSBERG installed, upgraded and commissioned the overall system on the Alvheim while it was at the Aibel shipyard in Haugesund. We have worked well with KONGSBERG, which has supported us at all times and been responsive to our need.

What can KONGSBERG do to further improve the Alvheim project?

The challenge is to ensure that the KONGSBERG systems operate with the highest levels of reliability, protecting the integrity of the vessel and providing a safe working environment. KONGSBERG systems are to ensure optimal operation of the production facilities. We look forward to continuing to cooperate with KONGSBERG as their systems deliver the reliability which is so critical for safe and efficient operation of the Alvheim FPSO.