SKF-Key Players To Collaborate On Technology Development

The deal is based on a frame agreement to the value of more than 100 MNOK spread over three and a half years. Over 20 people will work on the project. The consortium signing this agreement with Statoil consists of ABB, IBM, Aker Kværner and Swedish company SKF. Throughout the period of the agreement over 20 people from the respective partner companies will work together on the development of new technology aimed both at improving the operating efficiency of existing oil and gas fields and which also can be deployed at new field developments. The aim of the project is for extensive use of technologies, such as advanced process control and instrumentation, together with remote management, to increase the lifetime and extraction potential for oil and gas fields. The technology shall also contribute to enhanced safety while minimising the risk for any environmental harm caused during operation. Specific areas of interest include: status surveillance, upgrade and maintenance shutdowns and more efficient maintenance operations with the help of new technology and robots at offshore installations. The suppliers involved see the project as an ideal opportunity to develop the technologies of tomorrow together with such a demanding end user like Statoil. It is also seen as a way to field test technology before taking it to the global market. The project will also strengthen the competitive stance of the Norwegian supplier industry and North Sea market players in the international arena. The partners involved all come from large international corporations. Collaborative projects such as these involve channelling the development resources of the respective companies to Norway. In order to succeed, focused commitment is essential and the consortium hopes that the project will act as a drive force for technological development on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. In addition to the contributions of the individual project partners, this initiative will also include cooperation with The Research Council, of Norway, small and medium-sized niche technology players, research institutes as well as the university and higher education sector.