Aibel has signed a memorandum of understanding in connection with the topside engineering, procurement and fabrication contract for the ACE Platform with Xcite Energy Resources Limited (XER).

This establishes the principles for engineering, procurement, and construction of the Ove Arup and Partners-designed self-installing ACE platform. The platform, which will have a topside weight of approx. 4000 tons, will operate in the heavy-oil Bentley field in the UK northern North Sea.

The scope
Aibel will work with AMEC as XER’s project management contractor to deliver the ACE platform. While AMEC will do most of the engineering work, Aibel will provide services for project management and EPC.

The project also represents a substantial amount of work for the yard in Thailand, in addition to engineering support from Singapore. Completion of the project is expected to result in more work for Norway as well.

Start in late 2014
According to plan, the project activities (FEED) will start in 4th quarter of 2014, with the EPC award following in the summer of 2015. The platform is expected to be on field in 2017.

“We are very pleased to have established a good relationship with a new client for Field Development. This signifies new opportunities for us in a very interesting market with a new and exciting customer,” says Stig Jessen, EVP Field Development at Aibel.

About Aibel

Aibel is a leading service company within the oil and gas industry and is established in renewable energy.

The company`s around 6,000 employees in Norway and abroad are engaged onshore and offshore. With eight locations in Norway, the company is located near the customers. In addition to operations in Norway, Aibel is also located in Thailand, Singapore, United Kingdom, Denmark and Egypt.