Equinor has initiated the bid process for a supply base to support its Bay du Nord offshore development project in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. The project, with an estimated cost of C$14 billion, will utilize a floating production, storage and offloading vessel and up to 40 subsea wells developed in phases. The supply base must be operational by 2029 to support early work in the Flemish Pass basin, located in water depths of 600 to 1200 metres.

Location and Logistics

The Bay du Nord field is situated approximately 475 kilometres from St. John's in international waters. Based on transit times from similar, closer fields, a supply vessel voyage from St. John's to the site is estimated to take 16 to 19 hours. The potential use of helicopters for crew transit, and whether they would fly directly to the FPSO or stop at existing Grand Banks facilities, remains undetermined.

Development Phases and Offshore Support

The development will proceed in stages, starting with the Bay du Nord and Cambriol discoveries. This initial phase involves 16 development wells, with potential future tie-backs to other discoveries like Cappahayden. Well construction will occur both before and after the FPSO arrives on location. Offshore operations are slated to begin in 2029, targeting first oil by 2031. At peak activity, the project will require up to five supply vessels operating simultaneously to support offshore operations.

Supply Base Requirements

Responses to the Expression of Interest, due by 20 February, must detail the proposed infrastructure. The base requires a minimum draft of 10 metres and at least three berths, with one dedicated exclusively to Equinor. It must include laydown and marshalling areas, and berths suitable for bulk and deck handling operations. To support drilling, the facility must accommodate a mud plant, a fluids tank farm, bulk silos, and cement mixing and storage silos.

Future Considerations

Equinor notes that the selected contractor may also provide services for future company activities, such as exploration, appraisal, or subsea tie-back projects. Given the FPSO's planned 20-year lifespan, interested parties are also required to outline opportunities for future expansion of the supply base.