Ocean Installer has been awarded the project management, engineering, flexible pipelines and risers product supply contract for the Balder Next development.

  - The awarded contract supports the fast-track schedule
  - The remaining scope of the Balder Next – New Wells project is subject to FID (Final Investment Decision) by the license partners.
  - The Balder Next – New Wells project is planned to be executed by Vår Energi’s Subsea Partnership with Ocean Installer responsible for the SURF and OneSubsea responsible for the SPS.
  - Front end engineering and procurement activities are currently underway, with flexible products manufacturing scheduled to commence in 2025, and offshore operations planned for 2027 and 2028.
  - The Balder field is located in the Norwegian sector of the central North Sea, Vår Energi is the operator and has a 90% ownership, Kistos has 10% ownership.
  - The Balder Next – New Wells project will expand production by introducing six new subsea wells and preparing infrastructure for further tie-backs.

This contract is the first step in the Balder Next development, securing engineering for execution and long lead flexible products deliveries. If the Project FID (Final Investment Decision) is approved the remaining project scopes Ocean Installer is expected to be awarded will re-classify the full project to a major* contract award.

"This latest award marks another significant milestone in Ocean Installer’s long-lasting relationship with Vår Energi following the successful work on the Balder Future, and the ongoing Balder Phase VI project.
We look forward to see this positive momentum further develop as the collaboration continues in years to come" says Geir Austigard, Moreld CEO.

The contract is called off under Ocean Installer’s Strategic Partnership with Vår Energi signed in June 2022 , and a continuation of Ocean Installer’s multi-year collaboration with Vår Energi in the Balder area since 2019.

"We are incredibly proud that Vår Energi continues to again place their trust in Ocean Installer and it is particularly satisfying to see the speed in which the Vår Energi Strategic Partnership is able to mature these opportunities.
From our first collaboration on Balder Future which started back in 2019 to the fast track Balder Phase VI project awarded before the summer, we’ve built a relationship defined by trust and shared ambitions" said Kevin Murphy, Ocean Installer CEO.

* Moreld defines a large contract as between NOK 1-2 billion in expected value, major contracts defined as over NOK 2 billion

About Ocean Installer

Ocean Installer is a leading marine construction company that specializes in providing installation services, as well as inspection, maintenance, and repair of offshore subsea infrastructure. With a workforce of approximately 300 employees, the company was founded by HitecVision in 2011 and has over 13 years of experience delivering large and complex subsea projects worldwide. Headquartered in Stavanger, Ocean Installer operates regional offices in key locations including Oslo, Houston, Aberdeen, and Dubai.

About Vår Energi

Vår Energi is a leading independent upstream oil and gas company on the Norwegian continental shelf. We are committed to deliver a better future through responsible value driven growth based on over 50 years of NCS operations, a robust and diversified asset portfolio with ongoing development projects, and a strong exploration track record.

Safe and responsible operations are at the core of our strategy. Our ambition is to be the safest operator on the NCS, and to become carbon neutral in our net equity operational emissions by 2030.

Vår Energi has around 1400 employees and equity stakes in 42 producing fields. We have our headquarters outside Stavanger, Norway, with offices in Oslo, Hammerfest and Florø.