By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 6 -- Gassco AS on Sept. 1 assumed operation of the Langeled gas pipeline between Norway and the UK and is now operator of the new receiving terminal for Norwegian gas in Easington, UK.
The operating change was necessitated by the incorporation of the 1,200-km subsea pipeline and the Easington terminal in the Gassled joint venture. This JV, established Jan. 1, 2003, owns most of the infrastructure for gas transportation from the Norwegian continental shelf.
The JV partners are Petoro SA, Statoil ASA, Norsk Hydro ASA, Total SA, ExxonMobil Corp., Royal Dutch/Shell, ConocoPhillips, Eni SPA, Dansk Olie & Naturgas AS, and Norsea Gas.
Gassco has appointed Statoil technical service provider (TSP) for Langeled. Statoil said it will perform the TSP functions from its pipeline operations unit, based at the Karsto plant in southwestern Norway.
Britain's Centrica PLC will be responsible for day-to-day operations at the terminal.
Hydro and Statoil, along with Gassco as operator, will complete the work on the Langeled system. Up to 20% of UK gas requirements will be met in coming years by Norwegian deliveries via this pipeline.
Deliveries of Norwegian gas through Langeled to the UK will begin in late September or early October.
The northern leg of Langeled is due to become operational in 2007 to coincide with the start of gas deliveries from Ormen Lange field in the Norwegian Sea. Bringing Ormen Lange on stream will make Norway the second largest gas exporter after Russia.