Norsk Hydro contracts AGR Group’s new excavation technology at Ormen Lange Gas Field

Sverre Skogen, AGR Group Chief Executive said; “We are delighted with Norsk Hydro’s endorsement of this brand new excavation technology being developed in-house at AGR Subsea on such a significant project as Ormen Lange”.

As an enhancement on currently available technology, the Claycutter X will have a range of excavation modes which can be interchanged subsea depending on the environment encountered. It is controlled remotely and incorporates hands free operation on deck and remote operation of all subsea systems. At Ormen Lange it will be used in conjunction with AGR’s Seavator, which uses a high volume vertical flow of seawater to clear debris.

Sveinung Olsen, head of AGR Drilling Services said; “Upon deployment in mid 2008 we expect the Claycutter X will significantly improve performance and reliability over conventional seabed excavation tools. After what is anticipated to be a successful project, we imagine we will be in a very good position for future major excavation projects around the world.”

Using the Claycutter X will enable precise excavation in all water depths and soil strengths up to 400 KPA shear strength. Developed in conjunction with the Ormen Lange project, it will be deployed to prepare routes across and through undulating seabed prior to laying pipelines in deepwater.

AGR Subsea AS were initially invited to make a submission to Norsk Hydro to pre-qualify for the excavation tender in March this year, and were awarded the contract after a formal tendering process that ran through to August.