Leading cable manufacturer Nexans is to provide a total of 27km of complex umbilicals with power, fibre-optic and hydraulic elements for the next development phase of the Troll oil & gas field  – the most prolific site on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

 

Estimated to supply eight per cent of the EU's total gas consumption, and with more than half of its reserves still remaining after over 20 years of production, the Troll oil & gas field is the most productive site on the NCS. The initial development was carried out over two phases, and now Norwegian firm Equinor is starting its Phase 3 development to recover the large amount of gas resources in the western part of the field.

 

Nexans will play a vital role in the Troll Phase 3 project by supplying Equinor with the complex umbilicals required to power and control the subsea systems.

 

A $955m endeavour

 

Valued at 7.8 billion crown (US$955 million), Phase 3 of the Troll project covers development of the Troll West structure, which lies in water depths of approximately 330m and is located 25km northwest of the Troll A platform. The subsea production systems will comprise two subsea templates or manifolds, as well as nine trees. Each manifold is expected to have four well slots. A total of eight production wells will be drilled and tied-back to the Troll A platform in order to recover the gas reserves. First gas is expected from the project in the second quarter of 2021.

 

For the Troll Phase 3 development Nexans Norway will design, manufacture and supply static umbilicals that include high voltage power elements, high-pressure hydraulic lines, low-pressure hydraulic lines, a MEG (methanol and glycol) service line for chemical injection, a spare line and fibre-optic communications – all within a single cross-section. A 20km umbilical will link the Troll A platform to Template W1, and a 7km umbilical will then link Template W1 to W2. The contract also includes the supply of connections, terminations and other umbilical accessories.