Equinor Energy AS is advancing work to shut down Veslefrikk field and has received approval from the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority for disposal of field facilities. A decommissioning plan was submitted in 2020 and plugging and abandonment of wells is ongoing.
Shutdown of the field—in Norwegian North Sea Block 30/3—is planned for spring 2022. After over 30 years onstream, the field has produced more than 400 MMboe.
The Petroleum Act requires a field developer to pay for and to carry out—including full or partial removal of facilities and equipment after the production period has ended. The removal work must take place pursuant to the HSE regulations for the petroleum activities, and on the basis of considerations including consent and decommissioning plans.
Operations
Veslefrikk lies 30 km north of Oseberg field in water depth of 185 m. It was discovered in 1981, and the plan for development and operation (PDO) was approved in 1987. The field is developed with two facilities, Veslefrikk A and Veslefrikk B. Veslefrikk A is a fixed steel wellhead facility with bridge connection to Veslefrikk B. Veslefrikk B is a semi-submersible facility for processing and accommodation. Production started in 1989.
Before Veslefrikk B can be brought ashore, wells must be plugged, platform systems must be shut down and cleaned, and oil and gas export pipelines must be cleaned and disconnected. A total of 24 wells will be plugged from the drilling system in an effort that began in January 2021 under existing framework contracts.
Veslefrikk B will be towed to shore for dismantling in autumn 2022. Veslefrikk A is scheduled for removal in 2025-2026.
Equinor is operator of the field (18%) with partners Petoro AS (37%), Repsol Norge AS (27%), and Wintershall DEA Norge AS (18%).