Equinor and Partners Commence Production at Lavrans Well in Kristin South Area

The Kristin platform in the Norwegian Sea
(Photo: Marit Hommedal / Equinor)

(IN BRIEF) Equinor, along with partners Petoro, Vår Energi, and TotalEnergies EP Norge, has commenced production from the first well at the Lavrans field in the Kristin South area, marking the first phase of the Kristin South project. Approved in 2022, this development leverages existing infrastructure to enhance value on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The project includes the installation of a new subsea template connected to the Kristin platform, with plans for four additional wells. The initiative is expected to yield substantial gas and oil production, with minimal CO2 emissions, supporting energy security and job creation in Norway. Norwegian suppliers have secured over 60% of contract values, generating significant employment across the country.

(PRESS RELEASE) STAVANGER, 8-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — On July 7th, Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR), an oil, gas, wind and solar energy company active in more than 30 markets globally, alongside partners Petoro, Vår Energi, and TotalEnergies EP Norge, initiated production from the first Lavrans well located in the Kristin South area.

The development plan for the Lavrans and Kristin Q discoveries was presented as an extension to the Kristin field in 2021, marking the first phase of the Kristin South project. The authorities approved the plan in 2022.

Trond Bokn, senior vice president for project development at Equinor, commented on the milestone: “The Kristin South project underscores our strategy to enhance value through the development of existing infrastructure on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. In collaboration with our partners and suppliers, we have safely and effectively commenced production from Lavrans.”

A new subsea template has been installed and connected to the Kristin platform, which is now processing oil and gas from the first well at the Lavrans field. The gas produced will be transported through the pipeline system to the European market, while the oil will be shipped via the Åsgard C storage vessel.

The first phase of the Kristin South project includes plans for four additional wells: three at the Lavrans field and one in the Q-segment of the Kristin field. The Q-segment well will be drilled from an existing subsea template linked to the Kristin SEMI.

According to the development plan, phase one of the Kristin South project is expected to yield 6.2 GSm3 of gas and 1.9 MSm3 of oil, totaling approximately 58.2 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Grete B. Haaland, senior vice president for Exploration & Production North at Equinor, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “This development is crucial for our strategy to tap new resources in the mature areas of the Norwegian Sea. Integrating additional resources into our existing hubs is a cost-effective method to increase production and extend the operational life of our fields. This approach supports energy security and job creation in Norway.”

The CO2 emissions associated with the extraction and production of Kristin South phase 1 are minimal, with less than 1 kg of CO2 per barrel of oil equivalent, primarily generated from drilling activities.

Norwegian suppliers have been awarded over 60% of the contract values during the development phase, generating significant economic benefits along the Norwegian coast. The project is estimated to have created 4,000 person-years of employment across Norway, with 800 in the Mid-Norway region, spanning from 2020 to 2025.

The Lavrans discovery dates back to 1995, while the Kristin field commenced production in 2005. The Kristin platform’s technical lifetime is currently projected to extend until 2043, with potential for further extensions.

Project Partners:

• Equinor Energy AS (54.82%, operator)
• Petoro AS (22.52%)
• Vår Energi ASA (16.66%)
• TotalEnergies EP Norge AS (6%)

Key Contracts:

• Aker Solutions/OneSubsea and subcontractors: Subsea production facilities
• TechnipFMC and subcontractors: Pipeline fabrication, pipelaying, and subsea installation
• Aibel and subcontractors: Engineering, procurement, construction, and installation for Kristin platform modification
• Transocean Spitsbergen: Rig contractor

SOURCE: Equinor ASA