Aker Solutions fabrication yard at Verdal has delivered the topsides to the Hod B wellhead platform destined for the Aker BP-operated Hod field in the Norwegian North Sea. The project is the second project delivered by Aker BP’s alliance for delivery of fixed platforms, established in spring of 2017. Aker BP and the main suppliers, Aker Solutions and ABB, have worked in a joint organization, thereby reducing a lot of time and costs compared to a traditional model where the customer and supplier have separate roles and responsibilities.
The Hod development has utilized the experience from the wellhead platform for the Valhall Flank West project, which was delivered in the summer of 2019—the first under the alliance. Hod B is an approximate copy of Valhall Flank West and gave the partnership opportunities to optimize its implementation model through reuse of personnel, facilities, and equipment. It has been delivered at considerably lower cost compared to Valhall Flank West.
Hod B has been an important project that was initiated only hours after the temporary changes to the tax system for the oil and gas industry received a broad majority in the Storting in June last year. The project prefabrication started at the yard in Verdal just hours after the agreement was made and has benefited jobs.
“Today, just 14 months after the first steel plates were cut, the topside is ready for transport to the field exactly as agreed,” said Sturla Magnus, executive vice president and head of Aker Solutions’ topside and facilities business. “Together, we have developed new solutions and implemented a number of improvements for safety, productivity and reduced cost level in the project. This further increases our competitiveness and makes us even more attractive to future clients.”
The alliance delivery includes design, procurement, fabrication, preparation for sea transport, as well as hookup and assistance for completion on the field. The topsides will be installed on the steel jacket delivered from Aker Solutions’ yard in June.
Upon signing on 9 June 2020, the contract had a value for Aker Solutions of just under NOK 1 billion. At its peak, around 550 people from Aker Solutions, the alliance, and subcontractors have worked on the project and more than 50 yard apprentices have completed much of their vocational training.
