This award follows an iFEED™ study, underscoring the benefits of early engagement and optimized field layouts.
TechnipFMC has announced the award of a significant integrated Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (iEPCI) contract by Equinor for its crucial Heidrun extension project in the Norwegian North Sea. This landmark agreement aims to enhance the existing infrastructure and prolong the production lifecycle of the Heidrun platform, a cornerstone of Norway's offshore energy landscape since its inception in October 1995.
The “significant” classification for TechnipFMC indicates a contract value ranging between $75 million and $250 million, highlighting the substantial nature of this undertaking. This direct award underscores the successful collaboration between the two companies, building on an integrated Front End Engineering and Design study previously conducted by TechnipFMC. The iFEED phase proved instrumental in optimizing the field layout, setting the stage for a streamlined and efficient execution phase.
Jonathan Landes, President, Subsea at TechnipFMC, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration. "This direct award highlights the mutual benefit of early engagement, which led to an optimized field layout," Landes commented. "We are excited to leverage our iEPCI integrated execution to upgrade this important asset for Equinor." His remarks underscore the effectiveness of TechnipFMC's integrated approach, which combines various project phases under a single interface, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing overall project delivery efficiency.
The Heidrun field, located approximately 175 kilometers off the coast of Mid-Norway in some 350 meters of water, is known for its distinctive floating concrete tension-leg platform, which is considered the world's largest of its kind. Having already surpassed initial production expectations, this extension project is vital for Equinor's long-term strategy of maximizing value from mature fields and ensuring sustained energy output from the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
The scope of work under the iEPCI™ contract is comprehensive, covering all aspects from engineering design and procurement of necessary equipment to construction and the final installation of subsea infrastructure. This integrated delivery model is designed to minimize interface risks and improve project certainty, a key advantage in complex offshore developments. By extending the operational life of the Heidrun platform, the project not only secures continued production but also leverages existing robust infrastructure, contributing to cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact.
The Heidrun field's gas is currently transported to Tjeldbergodden for use in Equinor's methanol factory and also connects to the Åsgard transport pipeline for export to Kårstø and further to Dornum in Germany. The continued investment in the Heidrun asset highlights its ongoing significance within the broader European energy supply chain.
