Aker BP ASA: Completion of historic project portfolio with major ripple effects in Verdal

On Monday 06 July, the topside for the Hugin B platform in Yggdrasil sailed from Aker Solutions' yard in Verdal. This marks the completion of an extensive portfolio of projects delivered to Aker BP from the yard over the past three and a half years. The projects have created thousands of man-years and generated significant ripple effects in the region.

"It is simply remarkable. Since the summer of 2024, we have waved goodbye to one major project after another from Verdal. Four steel jackets and two topsides have been delivered to our developments Valhall PWP-Fenris and Yggdrasil. This is a powerful example of what the Norwegian supplier industry can achieve through close collaboration. I could not be prouder," says Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP.

In June 2024, the Fenris jacket and pre-drilling module sailed from Verdal. One year later, the Valhall PWP jacket followed, before the Hugin A jacket sailed in July. The Hugin B jacket and the Fenris topside followed in April this year. Today, the final topside, Hugin B, sailed towards the Yggdrasil area.

Significant regional ripple effects

"When we sanctioned these projects at the end of 2022, we promised the authorities to secure activity, develop competence and prepare the industry for future value chains. We have delivered on that promise, and the yard in Verdal is a fantastic example," says Hersvik.

The overall portfolio has generated close to 3,500 man-years at the yard. More than 130 apprentices have been involved in the projects since 2022.

"These projects are important for many reasons. They will create substantial value for Norway and deliver energy at a time when energy security is becoming increasingly important. Through closer collaboration between Aker BP and our suppliers, we have reduced construction time and enabled more efficient operations. In addition, the scale of these projects has made it possible to invest billions of kroner in competence development, robotics, and digital tools, strengthening our competitiveness and relevance for future projects," says Kjetel Digre, CEO of Aker Solutions.

"We are truly proud of the positive impact these projects have had on the region. It is especially rewarding to see that more than 130 apprentices have started their careers with us. They are the future of our industry," says Hersvik.

Alliance model key to success

The Fixed Facilities Alliance between Aker BP, ABB and Aker Solutions delivers the Valhall PWP and Fenris platforms, while the alliance between Aker BP, Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy delivers Hugin A and B in Yggdrasil. In total, more than 42,000 tonnes have been delivered from the yard in Verdal.

"These projects have been executed in a market characterised by high volatility and pressure across the supply chains, yet they have been delivered on time, with high quality, and safely. Yggdrasil and Valhall PWP-Fenris are complex puzzles, and we are fully dependent on installing the different components offshore at the right time. The alliance model has been crucial to securing progress, flexibility and delivery capacity. This model will also be key to making marginal projects viable in the future," Hersvik concludes.