ABB to provide power and automation solutions for oilfields off UAE coast

2015-7-27

 Zurich, Switzerland, July 15, 2015 – Power management, electrification and telecommunication solutions to improve safety and reliability while reducing operating expenditures and emissions at sites off the coast of the United Arab Emirates

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has received orders from Hyundai Heavy Industries for electrical and telecommunication systems. The order is worth around $100 million, with about half booked in the last quarter of 2014, almost $27 million in the first quarter of this year and $20 million in the second quarter. It enables Hyundai Heavy Industries to fulfill its obligations to Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Co. under the contract for EPC Work of Nasr Full Field Development Project (Package 2).

The solution provided consists of power management, power-from-shore and telecom systems which are interconnected to ensure the highest levels of efficiency, reliability and safety. ABB has pioneered and proven the use of power-from-shore for energy platforms to help energy companies reduce emissions, ease operations and improve working conditions by lowering noise levels. The facilities covered by the referred contract will be powered by a 132 kilovolt (kV) AC subsea ring cable from Das Island, about 160 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi. 



“ABB’s extensive experience in offshore oil and gas field electrification ensures high reliability and minimizes life-cycle costs, while trimming the oil fields’ environmental footprint,” said ABB Process Automation division President Peter Terwiesch. “This is another example of an order in line with our Next Level Strategy of business-led collaboration between our automation and power portfolios.” 

The power management system is based on ABB’s System 800xA Extended Automation control system, which integrates the network of transformers and switchgears and enables operators to control this vast electrical installation in a safe and consistent manner. It includes an intelligent asset management system for predictive maintenance of equipment, reducing operating costs and extending its service life. 

ABB will supply 28 bays of compact 132 kV GIS for one onshore and two offshore platform installations as well as medium voltage products including 33 kV gas-insulated switchgear and 11 kV and 6.6 kV air-insulated switchgear. ABB pioneered high-voltage GIS in the mid-1960s and has a global installed base of more than 23,000 bays. Its product portfolio covers voltage levels from 72.5 kV to 1,200 kV. 

Additionally, ABB will supply multiple types of transformers, shunt reactors and associated equipment ranging from 500 kVA to 100 MVA, minimizing losses through the lifecycle and lowering environmental impact. The transformers and reactors are suited for hazardous and challenging environments. 

Power from shore can be an environmentally friendly and cost effective alternative to on board power generation on offshore installations. Here a picture showing cable laying on the Norwegian coast, where ABB have provided several power from shore systems.

ABB will also provide a complete and fully integrated telecommunication system to the Al Nasr super complex for internal and external communication and field security. Key products are computer networks, electronic personnel tracking, a camera system, radar, public address and general alarm systems, access control, a telephone system, radios and a transmission system between platforms. 

The project will be executed by ABB’s engineering services and project management team in Norway, with equipment manufactured by ABB in the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany and Norway. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2016. 

ABB has supported the Al Nasr Full Field Development Project from the concept stage, through front-end engineering and design and now the construction phase. The scope of supply includes design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning.