Arctic developments from a remote control
Norwegian experts believe that offshore oil and gas production in the Arctic can be conducted remotely from land. They also believe that the Shtokman field could serve as a technological driver for the Arctic petroleum industry.
According to Kjell Arne Jacobsen, Director at Sintef Petroluem Research, the oil and gas industry in the Arctic will need the development of new and stronger materials, more advanced subsea technology and remotely controlled operations. He maintains that Norwegian research environments are world leading on drilling and well technology adjusted to Arctic conditions.
In a recent interview with Mediaplanet, Mr. Jacobsen also says that stricter environmental regulations will require more advanced production platforms with equipment for collection of chemical substances. In addition, the supply ships will need to have icebreaking capacities, he says
Research director in the IRIS research foundation, Sigmund Stokka, says that the Russian development of the Shtokman field in the Barents Sea will help promote more activities also on the Norwegian side of the Barents Sea. –The Shtokman field will be a driver for the development of the petroleum industry in the North, he underlines.
Read the Mediaplanet oil and gas edition (12 February 2008) here
