RusEnergy

02-24-2009 - Upstream OnLine - A consortium made up by Norway's Aker Solutions, French engineering player Technip and SBM Offshore have bagged the €25 million ($32 million) concept definition and front-end engineering and design contract for the floating production unit planned for the massive Shtokman field, in the Russian sector of the Barents Sea. In a statement, consortium partner Aker Solutions said the workscope includes design, FPU concept definition, FEED design for the hull, turret and mooring system and topsides. The work, which will start immediately, will be carried out by an integrated team involving the three partners of the consortium, with Aker Solutions acting as leader. Aker added it would take about 12 months to complete. The consortium will also bid for the full engineering, procurement, supply, construction and commissioning contract next year. Aker Solutions boss Simen Lieungh said: "We are very pleased to be part of the initial phases of the development of the world's largest offshore gas field. "Equally important for us is the establishment of the partnership with Technip and SBM."