Aker Solutions to deliver wellhead platform for Shell’s UK North Sea field

Shell UK, part of energy major Shell, has awarded an engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract to Aker Solutions for an offshore platform for the Jackdaw gas field in the UK North Sea.

Under the new contract, Aker will provide a complete wellhead platform that is not permanently crewed. The platform comprises a topside and a steel jacket.

Aker Solutions will also be responsible for the associated load-out, offshore hook-up, and commissioning.

The Norwegian engineering company said the contract’s value is in the range of Nkr2bn-3bn ($206m-309m).

Aker Solutions carried out front-end engineering and design work (FEED) for the wellhead platform under a contract awarded in 2019.

Aker Solutions CEO Kjetel Digre said: “We aim to be a leading supplier of energy solutions, and the Jackdaw development contributes to the ambition of the British government to boost domestic energy output to enhance energy security.

“The project forms part of our broader intent to both play a key role in the transformation of Europe’s energy sector and help accelerate security of supplies.”

Aker Solutions plans to fabricate the wellhead platform at its yard in Verdal, Norway. The work is expected to involve more than 300 people.

Shell is expected to receive the steel substructure, which includes a pre-drilling deck, in 2023, followed by the topside of the platform in 2024.

Aker Solutions executive vice-president and topsides and facilities business head Sturla Magnus said: “We will build on our strong topside solutions and executions model, which involves reusing facilities and equipment and bringing onboard solid experience from similar developments from both internal Aker Solutions resources and external partners.”

The Jackdaw gas field will have a tie back to Shell’s existing Shearwater gas hub and is expected to be commissioned in the mid-2020s.

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