Palfinger has signed a 10 year framework agreement with Aker BP to further develop, deliver and equip its new installations with state of the art offshore cranes that include new technology to improve safety levels and reduce operating costs.
Based in Norway oil exploration and development company Aker BP is planning a final investment decision in 2022 for the NOA Fulla field development in the North of Alvheim Krafla Askja (NOAKA) licence area, and a new central platform in the Valhall field in the southern part of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, as it looks to modernise the field with advanced technology standards in terms of equipment.
The framework agreement includes an option to extend and covers the development and implementation of remote controlled cranes as well as the delivery of a total of six electric cranes for four platforms.
Palfinger and Aker BP have been working together for more than 10 years with Palfinger recently delivering four new offshore cranes to the Valhall IP platform. Remote operations are an important part of Aker BP’s strategy to reduce risk and exposure of personnel working on their platforms etc… while helping lower operating costs.
Palfinger began work on the concept for Remote Operated Offshore Cranes in 2017 together with Aker BP and Optilift. Andreas Hille, senior vice president product line management and engineering said: “We are excited to continue our cooperation with Aker BP on this project which combines innovation, research and development based on our many years of experience. Together we are setting new standards providing modular and scalable offshore cranes with integrated remote and autonomous control technologies.”
Ine Dove of Aker BP added: “NOA Fulla and NCP/King Lear are major field developments on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The cranes Palfinger will provide through the frame agreement represent a very important delivery in our operations strategy where remote work and automation are key drivers. By standardising cranes across these development projects, we can also improve quality and reduce costs.”