Aker Solutions and MAN Diesel & Turbo agreed to form an alliance to develop the next generation in subsea compression systems that can be used at even the smallest oil and gas fields to increase recovery and lower costs compared with conventional platform solutions.
Based in Augsburg, MAN Diesel & Turbo is a supplier of large diesel engines and turbomachinery. MAN Diesel & Turbo employs around 14,900 staff at more than 100 international sites, primarily in Germany, Denmark, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, India and China.
The two companies will build on their experience and cooperation from the successful delivery of the world's first full-scale subsea gas compression system at the Åsgard field in Norway. A key objective of the partnership is to develop new, cost-effective technology for high-capacity subsea compression systems.
"Åsgard was a game-changer that moved compressors from platforms to the seafloor to improve recovery rates, reduce costs and enhance safety," said Alan Brunnen, head of Aker Solutions' subsea business. "We're taking the technology further to provide compression systems that are smaller, lighter and cheaper without compromising on effectiveness."
The alliance combines Aker Solutions' capabilities in subsea processing, compression systems, controls, systems and interventions with MAN Diesel & Turbo's leading turbomachinery technology and its extensive gas compression expertise. The compression systems will be based on proven technology and for use at small subsea fields as well as large deposits such as Åsgard.
Compressors are used to maintain output as reservoir pressure at gas-producing fields decline. Placing them on the seabed near the wellheads boosts recovery rates, leaves a smaller environmental footprint and is safer to operate than on a platform.
"Our strong cooperation over several years ensures our ability to focus on what is truly important, delivering the safest, most reliable and cost-efficient technology possible for developments of all sizes," said Mathias Scherer, senior vice president sales and contracts at MAN Diesel & Turbo.
Aker Solutions delivered the subsea compression system at Åsgard, which came on stream on September 17 to enable the recovery of an additional 306 million barrels of oil equivalents from the Statoil-operated field. MAN Diesel & Turbo, a sub-supplier to the project, is the first turbomachinery manufacturer to have developed a centrifugal compressor installed on the seafloor. This technology has undergone an extensive qualification program and was successfully tested for the Åsgard project.
Aker Solutions and MAN Diesel & Turbo will provide customers with subsea compression systems based on current solutions as well as develop the next generation in this technology.