Aker BP let a contract to Kvaerner AS for delivery of the topside and steel substructure for the normally unmanned wellhead platform at Hod field in the North Sea.
News of the contract, valued at 1 billion kroner, comes after the Hod development in the Valhall area was authorized for a fast track investment decision by Aker’s board—a direct result of temporary changes to the Norwegian petroleum tax system.
Hod development had been close to sanction when, in March, the company cut its capex budget by 20% and placed the project on hold in response to the change in market conditions (OGJ Online, Mar. 23, 2020).
Delivery will include design, procurement, fabrication, preparation for sea transport, as well as hook-up and assistance for completion on the field. Prefabrication in Verdal began June 9.
The steel jacket and top side will be ready for delivery and shipment in summer 2021. Hook-up and completion on the field will take place immediately thereafter.
The new Hod development will leverage on the experience from the delivery of the wellhead platform to the Valhall Flank West project, which was delivered in summer 2019. Valhall Flank West was the first wellhead platform delivered through the wellhead platform alliance established by Aker BP, Kvaerner, ABB, and Aker Solutions.
