BMT delivers metocean support for Total Norge AS



BMT ARGOSS (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group, has recently completed a comprehensive evaluation of meteorological and oceanographic environmental conditions for the Martin Linge field in the Norwegian sector of the northern North Sea.  BMT's assessment also included the installation routes of associated subsea assets, a submarine power cable to Kollsnes (Norway) across the Norwegian Trench via the Troll field, a fibre-optic network to Huldra and a pipeline to the TP1 tie-in point.  This work was an extension of metocean studies previously performed by BMT for Total Norge AS in the region.

The Martin Linge gas field (formerly known as Hild) is situated between Norwegian Licence Blocks 30/4 and 30/7, approximately midway between the Shetland Islands and the Norwegian coast, in approximately 115 m water depth.  The Huldra and TP1 sites are in equivalent water depths and a spatial review of the western study area was completed to check the validity of using the Martin Linge Criteria at these three sites.

To provide power to the Martin Linge field from the Norwegian mainland electrical grid, Total selected a new 170 km long subsea cable - the world's longest alternating current (AC) power line from shore to an offshore platform.  The submarine power cable running between Martin Linge and Kollsnes crosses the Norwegian Trench that reaches its deepest (approximately 300 m) in the vicinity of the Troll Field.

This study involved a collation of existing BMT and 3rd party reports, as well as new analyses to evaluate both extreme design and typical (ambient) operational conditions, in order to provide a single, comprehensive study for the development project.

BMT worked closely with Total Norge AS to determine the optimal approach to extending the existing information and cover the new requirements.  This included carrying out spectral wave transformation modelling of BMT's EU Shelf hindcast to nearshore Kollsnes – the analysis of which was then integrated with the wider region study.  The spatial overview of the western sites and recommended changes to existing criteria helped BMT deliver a timely and comprehensive final report.

Dr Ian Wade, Senior Metocean Advisor at BMT ARGOSS comments: "The provision of a complete set of good quality metocean data is fundamental to both planning and execution of offshore capital projects. The reports compiled by BMT will allow Total Norge AS to plan effectively and reduce risk during the construction phase."

Source: BMT Group