Aker BP and partners propel Tyrving field into production ahead of schedule

In a remarkable display of efficiency and collaboration, Aker BP, together with its partners Petoro and PGNiG Upstream Norway, has launched production from the Tyrving field in the Norwegian North Sea. The project, involving an investment of NOK6 billion (£447 million), has seen its production start date accelerated from the initial target of the first quarter of 2025. This expedited timeline reflects both the technical prowess and the seamless cooperation among the project partners and their suppliers.

Strategic Development and Operational Advances

The Tyrving field development was given the green light in June 2023 with a Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) that envisions substantial benefits not just for Aker BP but for the broader energy sector. By integrating the Tyrving field with the extended lifetime of the Alvheim field, the initiative aims to bolster production levels while significantly curbing unit costs and CO2 emissions per barrel. This strategic alignment is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and support Norway’s climate goals.

The development consists of three wells and two new subsea installations, or manifolds, which are connected to existing infrastructure at East Kameleon and linked to the Alvheim floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility. This connection represents a significant enhancement to the existing infrastructure, demonstrating the project’s commitment to leveraging and expanding current assets for greater output and efficiency.

Environmental Impact and Technological Innovations

The Tyrving field is poised to make a substantial impact in terms of environmental sustainability. With estimated recoverable resources of approximately 25 million barrels of oil equivalent, the field is expected to operate with an exceptionally low CO2 emission rate of just 0.3 kg per barrel. This aligns with Aker BP’s broader commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and contributes to the global push for more sustainable energy solutions.

The field encompasses three notable discoveries: Trell, Trine, and Trell North. These discoveries are located around 2,200 meters below the seabed in the Heimdal Formation sandstones and at a water depth of approximately 120 meters. The field’s development has been carefully engineered to integrate with the Alvheim FPSO, which is situated about 20 kilometers west of the Tyrving field. This integration ensures a streamlined production process and leverages existing infrastructure to maximize efficiency.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

The Trell discovery was made in production licence 102F in 2014, marking a significant milestone in the exploration and development of the Tyrving field. The Trine discovery, located in production licence 036E, has a longer history, having been discovered in 1973. The combination of these discoveries has led to a comprehensive and strategic development plan that underscores the partners’ commitment to optimizing resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact.

The successful acceleration of the Tyrving field’s production start, coupled with the achievement of cost savings and enhanced environmental performance, highlights a significant achievement for Aker BP and its partners. This accomplishment not only underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in the energy sector but also sets a precedent for future projects aimed at balancing operational efficiency with sustainability goals.

Aker BP’s early start of oil production at the Tyrving field represents a significant advancement in the Norwegian North Sea’s oil industry. By surpassing initial production timelines and achieving impressive cost and environmental performance metrics, the project sets a high standard for future developments in the sector. The combined efforts of Aker BP, Petoro, and PGNiG Upstream Norway reflect a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and efficient resource management in one of the world’s most crucial energy regions.