New blowout control technology in place in Norway

Well capping equipment developed through the Subsea Well Response Project (SWRP) was unveiled in Stavanger today. The Norwegian base is the first of four bases to be opened internationally. The new well capping system will be operated by Oil Spill Response Ltd (OSRL) from its base in Tananger, located in Sola municipality outside Stavanger.

The SWRP is a cooperation project run and funded by BG, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Petrobras, Shell, Statoil and Total. OSRL is an international oil spill response organisation with around 25 years’ experience and approximately 150 member companies.

“It is reassuring to see the industry taking responsibility for improving its emergency preparedness through the development of this well capping system,” says Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe.

The equipment is designed to stop emissions from out-of-control wells quickly. The capping equipment is part of an international response system, and can be transported to wherever it is needed by airplane or boat.

“The fact that well capping equipment is now located in Norway will facilitate a quicker response in the event of an incident in the North Atlantic. I am very pleased that the base is located in Norway. This underlines the importance of the Norwegian petroleum industry in a global context,” says Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe.

Read more about OSRL on the organisation’s website.