Ringvei Vest Project Overview

The Equinor-led joint venture has finalized the development concept for the Ringvei Vest cluster project in Norway's Troll-Fram area, overcoming previous delays caused by disagreements among the seven co-owners. While there was consensus on using subsea tie-backs, the partners could not initially agree on the host facility. Equinor has now confirmed that the Troll B offshore production platform will serve as the host for the seven discoveries comprising Ringvei Vest.

Development Plan and Infrastructure

The project involves drilling a total of 13 wells through six templates. The well stream will be separated on the seabed before being transported to Troll B, which will also provide power for the subsea facilities. The wells will be controlled from Troll B, with oil transported to Mongstad and gas to Kollsnes. Additionally, plans include installing a new compressor on Troll B to increase processing capacity, as the platform is partially powered from shore. Equinor noted that it is too early to comment on the investment size, but the project is considered large and important.

Partnership and Timeline

Aker BP, which recently joined the project through an asset swap with Equinor, stated that it worked closely with the operator and partners to develop a joint area solution, with agreement reached within months. A decision on continuation (DG2) is planned for the end of the year, but timelines for the final investment decision, submission of the plan for development and operation, and production start-up remain undecided.

Discoveries and Resource Estimates

The seven discoveries included in Ringvei Vest are Grosbeak, Swisher, Mulder, Kveikje, Toppand, Rover Sor, and Rover Nord, along with a prospect called Gronngylt. The seven co-owners are Equinor, Aker BP, Vaar Energi, Petoro, Inpex, Wellesley Petroleum, and DNO. Equinor estimates that Ringvei Vest will contribute 240 million barrels of oil equivalent, with Kjetil Hove, Equinor’s executive vice president for exploration and production Norway, emphasizing that a solid effort over a long period led to the best development solution, ensuring optimal resource utilization.