Martin Linge, Norway

The Martin Linge oil and gas feld is located in the North Sea offshore Norway, close to the border to the UK continental shelf. The owner Equinor wanted to power the offshore activities from the onshore power grid instead of using onsite generators. This would reduce the environmental impact by saving about 200,000 tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) annually.

Other advantages that Equinor wanted to obtain with a power-from-shore solution were reduced risk of fre and reduced need for maintenance. They wanted lower weight and less noise and vibration on the platform. The project was to improve overall working conditions.

The project included additional challenges besides the very tough environment of the North Sea. A large number of interfaces within the project required a well-organized and effcient management from the various involved specialists. There was also a high focus on health and safety which required a careful prevention work, before and during project execution.

NKT has extensive experience in power-fromshore solutions for the offshore oil and gas industry. We were awarded the contract to connect the feld to the Norwegian power grid.

We designed, manufactured and installed the entire impressive 145 kV three-core XLPE HVAC submarine cable system. It is 163 kilometres long and plays a key role in making the oil and gas feld more carbon-effcient. It has low electrical losses, excellent tensile strength to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Sea and includes three fber optic links.

We also supplied a 3.5-kilometre 17.5 kV infeld cable including 500 metres of dynamic cable that connects the platform to a FSO (foating storage and offoading vessel). The dynamic cable is designed to withstand the motion of the FSO caused by wind, waves and current.

The main cable system was produced at NKT’s state-of-the art production facilities in Karlskrona, Sweden. It goes out from Kollsnes, is connected to the Martin Linge platform and was delivered in two sub-lengths, connected with a rigid feld joint and installed at water depths reaching 358 meters. The infeld cable parts were jointed and tested at the factory before being laid on the seabed between the platform and the FSO.

NKT’s capacity, competence and pioneering work will surely continue to break new ground. We delivered a world unique dynamic cable – as well as a world record length AC cable system.