– This concerns a demanding repair and modification job on a hired process heat exchanger on the Goliat FPSO, says Odd Aksel Jørgensen.

He is a maintenance advisor in the Barents Sea for Vår Energi AS, which is the operator of the field.

The fact that Halvorsen was given the assignment is not random.

Complicated matters

"These are complex matters. Very few Norwegian companies have the welding expertise necessary to do such a job," says Jørgensen.

Specifically, it concerns special welding in 22cr duplex, which is a steel material widely used in offshore pipes and valves. Halvorsen has welders who are certified for such assignments.

Corona assistance

The hired heater on the Goliat FPSO - which is short for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading platform – is delivered by an Italian company. But in these corona times, it is difficult for the Italians to follow up on maintenance. Thus, Vår Energi AS had to get help elsewhere.

Through the partner National Oilwell Varco, the contract was awarded to Halvorsen.

The Goliat field is an oil and gas field located 85 kilometres northwest of Hammerfest. Goliat is considered the first oil discovery north of the Lofoten Islands. The first oil was produced on March 12, 2016, and the field was officially opened on April 18 of the same year.