By Murray Wilson, Sulzer

 

Norway has taken on a pivotal role in securing Europe’s power supply as sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum imports reshape the region’s energy landscape. With Russia’s imports severely restricted, Norway has ramped up production, becoming Europe’s top exporter of natural gas.

The Norwegian Continental Shelf remains crucial in bridging the gap between supply and demand, with the country’s government showing its commitment to energy security. Energy Minister Terje Aasland recently announced that Norway would continue developing its petroleum sector, issuing 62 new production licenses this year—a notable increase from 47 in 2023. With investment in the sector expected to reach record highs, the focus is increasingly on ensuring the reliability of existing infrastructure to support growing demands.

However, last year saw several unplanned maintenance shutdowns, impacting production. The Nyhamna gas processing plant, for example, was offline for two months due to issues with its cooling system. To maintain its role as Europe’s top gas exporter, Norway must now focus on plantwide efficiency improvements and holistic maintenance strategies that ensure long-term operational stability while maximizing output from both new and existing assets.

Unlocking efficiency in operations and maintenance

Norway has long been a leader in offshore technology and automation, with sovereign wealth funds enabling significant investments. The country is also advancing in areas like electrification and green hydrogen, setting a high bar for safety, cost reduction and environmental outcomes. Yet, there are still opportunities to improve.

One area where Norway could gain further efficiencies is in operations and maintenance. Historically, operators have maintained separate teams for specific equipment types, such as pumps and electro-mechanical components. While this approach ensures specialization, there is potential to increase synergies by integrating operations and maintenance strategies across equipment types. By focusing on plantwide efficiency, Norwegian operators could reduce emissions, lower costs and improve overall reliability.

Case study: North Sea compressor repairs