As of Monday afternoon, operator Aker BP and partner Pandion Energy report that first oil was produced from Valhall Flank West in the North Sea. Through the development of this field, the wellhead platform alliance between Aker BP, Kvaerner, Aker Solutions and ABB set a new standard for delivery of flank developments on the Norwegian shelf.

“This is truly a delivery worthy of respect. The alliance has worked together as one strong team. Not only have they delivered on the ambition of making the safest project ever, but the alliance is also delivering ahead of schedule and within budget,” says CEO Karl Johnny Hersvik in Aker BP.

The Plan for Development and Operation was submitted in December 2017. The first steel was cut at Kvaerner’s yard in Verdal in April 2018. Just over one year later, both the jacket and the topsides were installed on the field with no additional carry-over work.

The strategy delivers

Valhall Flank West is a wellhead platform that will normally be unmanned. It receives power from shore via the Valhall field centre. This is in line with Aker BP’s strategy of minimising the footprint from our operations.

The platform has been delivered with the world’s first electric lifeboat . The lifeboat is monitored from the Valhall field centre. Both the crane and seawater pump are electric and receive power from the field centre. All of this contributes to reduce maintenance.

“Valhall Flank West is a benchmark for good project execution. Reorganisation of the value chain through strategic partnership and alliances is an important part of Aker BP’s strategy. Four alliances have contributed to the project, and Valhall Flank West is visible proof that this strategy creates enormous value for the company,” says Hersvik.